Honor of Kings Unveils Major Esports Plans for 2025
Following its global launch, Honor of Kings is making significant strides in the esports arena. 2024 has been a landmark year, and 2025 promises even more exciting developments. Key announcements include the inaugural Honor of Kings invitational in the Philippines (February 21st - March 1st) and, most notably, the global adoption of a ban & pick format for Season Three and all future tournaments.
What exactly is ban & pick? Simply put, once a hero is selected by a team in a match, that hero is unavailable to that team for the remainder of the tournament. This means a player's hero choice directly impacts their teammates' options, but not their opponents'.
This change significantly alters the game's dynamics. Many MOBA players specialize in a limited roster of mastered heroes. The impact on team strategy and player choices will be substantial. Will players prioritize heroes best suited to the situation, or opt for their personal favorites, potentially sacrificing team synergy?
A Strategic Shift
The popularity of ban & pick in MOBAs is undeniable. While not a novel concept (games like League of Legends and Rainbow Six Siege utilize similar systems), Honor of Kings' implementation introduces a unique twist. Instead of pre-tournament agreements, the ban & pick decisions are made in real-time by individual players. This emphasizes team coordination and strategic thinking. The added layer of complexity promises to elevate the viewing experience and attract new fans to Honor of Kings esports.
