In the world of gaming, the anticipation of a new game's release can often create a buzz that resonates throughout the entire industry. This was certainly the case with Valorant, a free-to-play character-based tactical FPS shooter developed and published by Riot Games. The game, which was Riot Games' first foray into the shooter genre, was met with much anticipation and excitement from the gaming community, which has grown to a massive player count since its release.
The official release date for Valorant was June 2, 2020, but the journey to this date was a thrilling ride filled with closed beta tests, gameplay tweaks, and a growing community of eager players.
The Closed Beta Phase
The initial introduction of Valorant to the public came in the form of a closed beta, which started on April 7, 2020. The logistics of launching a beta effectively during a global pandemic were challenging, but Riot Games managed to pull it off. The closed beta offered a select group of players the chance to experience the game's mechanics and gameplay before its official release.
The closed beta was a crucial step in Valorant's development process. It allowed Riot Games to gather valuable feedback from players and make necessary adjustments to the game. This phase was not just about testing the game's technical aspects, but also about building a community around the game and setting the stage for its esports potential, including the development of the competitive ranking system that would become central to the game's appeal.
Valorant's Official Release
After nearly two months of closed beta testing, the official release date for Valorant arrived. On June 2, 2020, Riot Games launched the full version of Valorant on PC. The game was met with positive reviews, with many praising its tactical gameplay and unique character abilities.
The release of Valorant was not just a single day event. It was the culmination of months of hard work, testing, and community building. Riot Games' commitment to creating a high-quality gaming experience was evident in the smooth launch of Valorant.
Valorant's Journey Since the Release
Since the release, Valorant has continued to evolve and grow. Riot Games (developers of League of Legends) has been proactive in updating the game, adding new characters, maps, and modes to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. The developer has also been active in the esports scene, hosting numerous Valorant tournaments including the prestigious Valorant Champions that have helped to further establish the game's presence in the competitive gaming world.
Valorant Mobile: The Next Step
In mid-2023, Riot Games revealed plans for Valorant Mobile, a version of the game designed for Android and iOS devices. This announcement came during the anniversary event for Valorant PC in June 2023. While the exact release date for Valorant Mobile has not been officially announced, the mobile version continues to be in development and testing phases.
The Valorant Mobile beta has already begun in certain regions, with the first wave of players getting a chance to test out the mobile control schemes and gameplay. The game is expected to feature many of the same agents and abilities as the PC version, although some differences may exist to accommodate the change in platform.
Conclusion
The journey of Valorant, from its closed beta starting April 7, 2020, to its official release date on June 2, 2020, and beyond, is a testament to Riot Games' dedication to creating engaging, high-quality games. With the upcoming release of Valorant Mobile, it's clear that Riot Games is committed to expanding the Valorant universe and bringing this exciting tactical shooter to even more players around the world.
Whether you're a seasoned Valorant player or a newcomer to the game, there's no denying the impact that this game has had on the gaming industry. See how it stacks up against another popular shooter in our CS2 vs. Valorant comparison.
If you're new to the game, check out our comprehensive Valorant tips guide to improve your gameplay.
