Valorant Mobile Pre-Registration Now Open in China: First Look at Gameplay and Controls

Nearly four years after its initial announcement, Valorant Mobile pre-registration has officially begun in China, marking a significant milestone in Riot Games’ expansion of its popular tactical shooter to mobile platforms. Developed by LightSpeed Studios, the renowned team behind PUBG Mobile, this adaptation represents one of the most anticipated mobile gaming releases in recent years.

Pre-Registration Details and Availability

The Valorant Mobile pre-registration process has officially launched in China, giving players in the region the first opportunity to sign up for upcoming playtests. This regional approach mirrors strategies previously employed by other successful mobile shooters, using China’s massive gaming market as the initial testing ground before expanding globally.

Interested players in China can now visit the official Valorant Mobile pre-registration portal to secure their spot for future testing phases. This initial rollout suggests Riot Games is taking a measured approach to launching the mobile version, ensuring server stability and gameplay balance before committing to a worldwide release.

Gameplay Analysis and Control Scheme

Early Valorant Mobile gameplay footage reveals that LightSpeed Studios has retained the core tactical experience of the PC version while implementing a comprehensive touchscreen control system. As expected for a mobile FPS, the interface features numerous on-screen buttons for movement, abilities, weapon switching, and aiming.

Despite the inherent limitations of touchscreen controls, brief Valorant Mobile gameplay videos suggest the game maintains much of the speed and intensity that made the PC version successful. The developers appear to have prioritized preserving the tactical gunplay that distinguishes Valorant from other shooters in the market.

The Riot Games and LightSpeed Studios Partnership

Riot Games’ decision to partner with LightSpeed Studios for Valorant Mobile development is particularly significant given the latter’s track record in adapting PC shooters for mobile platforms. As the developer behind the tremendously successful PUBG Mobile, LightSpeed has demonstrated expertise in translating complex shooting mechanics to touchscreen interfaces.

This collaboration reflects Riot Games’ strategic approach to mobile expansion, leveraging specialized expertise rather than handling all development in-house. The partnership aims to ensure Valorant Mobile meets the high expectations of both existing PC players and the broader mobile gaming audience.

Challenges and Solutions in Mobile Adaptation

Adapting Valorant’s precise gunplay and tactical depth to mobile devices presents numerous technical and design challenges. The development team appears to have drawn lessons from the game’s successful console adaptation, which demonstrated that Valorant’s core experience could be preserved even with alternative control schemes.

The transition from PC to mobile represents a continuation of Valorant’s platform expansion strategy. Having already successfully adapted to console controllers in 2024, the leap to touchscreen controls represents a natural progression in making the tactical shooter accessible to wider audiences.

Global Release Strategy and Future Plans

While Valorant Mobile pre-registration is currently limited to China, the staged rollout suggests a methodical global expansion strategy similar to other successful mobile titles. Riot Games has not yet announced specific dates for other regions, but industry patterns suggest a phased approach is likely.

The timing of this pre-registration announcement is strategic, coinciding with the growing popularity of mobile first-person shooters globally. With competitors like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile already established in the market, Valorant’s entry represents Riot’s bid to capture market share in one of gaming’s fastest-growing segments.

As Valorant Mobile progresses through its testing phases in China, global players can anticipate announcements regarding expansion to other regions in the coming months. The careful approach to rollout suggests Riot Games is prioritizing quality and stability over speed, ensuring the mobile adaptation meets the high standards set by its PC counterpart.

Published on April 21, 2025