It has been over a year since Riot Games’ tactical shooter Valorant was released, and the title has managed to garner the attention of players from across the world. While Valorant saw immense success at the time of its official release, fans are curious to know how well is the shooter faring in terms of its player base a year later.
Luckily, Riot Games has recently revealed the player count of Valorant in June, 2021.
Riot Games has confirmed that the competitive shooter is rocking a monthly average of more than 14 million players, making it one of the most successful free-to-play shooters in the video gaming industry.
“For us it is incredibly exciting to like, in just a year, be able to build that kind of momentum,” executive producer Anna Donlon said. “And now to maintain that kind of momentum for a while now. I think it’s a testament to our dev team, and all of their commitment to our player base. [Valorant] definitely exceeded our expectations at launch and now has like come back to a state where we’re like ‘wow, that wasn’t just a launch-day fluke.’”
The prime reason behind the success of Valorant lies not only in its unique gameplay, but also the amount of work the developers have put into the title on a regular basis. Active communication between the devs and the player base have certainly gone a long way in cementing the future of Valorant as an esport title.
Fourteen out of sixteen teams that participated in the EPIC League CIS RMR tournament, alongside Team Unique, have asked Valve through an open letter to launch an investigation into the cheating allegations against Akuma.
Akuma managed to grab the third place in the RMR tournament and defeated teams like Natus Vincere and Virtus.Pro along the way.
The teams alleged that Akuma “received live data from third parties on external devices” during the matches that gave them information on the whereabouts of their enemies.
The letter also points out several key concerns regarding the tournament that was run by the Russian Esports Federation (RESF) and Epic Esports Events and suggested solutions to prevent these issues in the future. We had previously reported how some CSGO pros, including s1mple, were unhappy with several aspects of the tournament.
This follows the RESF statement released on May 30th, claiming that they had investigated Akuma and didn’t find “any signs of foul play.”
“The interpretation of the players’ actions during the match cannot serve as a reliable confirmation of foul play, ” the statement said. “We have collected all the necessary information to make a decision, notified Valve and ESIC of the situation, and are ready, if necessary, to conduct a retrial with their participation, providing the full amount of information we have collected.”
Cheating is not a new thing in the world of online video games. With the rising popularity of competitive multiplayer titles, a portion of the players are resorting to using cheats to help them dominate in-game. Almost every single modern competitive multiplayer title is becoming the victim of cheat devs, and while some developers work actively to shut these cheats down, new ones continue to spring up.
PUBG Mobile is undoubtedly one of the most successful competitive titles that mobile gaming has seen recently. With a huge Chinese market and a daily average player count in millions, the battle royale is one of the prime targets of cheat developers who look to make big money by selling cheats.
‘Cheat Ninja’ is reportedly one of the biggest names in the Chinese cheat market. Led by a user who has been given the alias ‘Catfish’, Cheat Ninja is perhaps the most popular cheat for PUBG mobile in the Chinese market.
Earlier this year, the Chinese police worked alongside Tencent to crack down on the cheating ring some of the key figures from Cheat Ninja. Unfortunately, Catfish wasn’t one of them.
A recent report by VICE takes an in-depth look on the $77 million cheating ring, and how Catfish managed to escape the Chinese cops.
Catfish had his first doubts when several of his Chinese colleagues went missing. The colleagues returned after a couple of days, urging him to visit Shanghai. This set off the alarm bells for Catfish, who then knew the Chinese police were onto him.
He then proceeded to break his hard drive containing any evidence of cheats using a “good old hammer, “ before dropping them off at another place.
The VICE report states that Catfish is currently laying low, and the Chinese cops are still struggling to catch the mastermind.
“This is totally not the norm of the cheat market though,” Catfish said. “I think we did it purely because we were the best cheat for the most popular game.”
Battlegrounds Mobile India and its release in India has certainly made a big impact in mobile gaming community in the country as the pre-registrations for Krafton’s new title have crossed 20 million landmark. The pre-registration process began just two weeks ago and the PUBG Mobile fanbase already gave a very positive response.
Krafton returned back to India with the announcement of Battlegrounds Mobile India. This is the new battle-royale title which is set to replace PUBG Mobile after it was banned last year. Some criticisms have implied that this game is exact copy of PUBG Mobile with minor tweaks and have urged to take actions against its release.
Battlegrounds Mobile India is rumoured to launch in the third week of June and the player base is ready to welcome this game. PUBG Mobile was a huge phenomenon in India and Battlegrounds Mobile India can certainly take its place in the future. The pre-registrations began on 18th May and Krafton quickly promoted it via their social media handles.
Players were waiting for 8 long months to officially play PUBG Mobile once again and since Krafton announced a similar title, the response was overwhelming. 20 million pre-registrations are completed on Google Play Store and process has not even begun for iOS users yet. This is a testament to the popularity of BGMI which is yet to be launched.
The official announcement also stated that Krafton will host esports tournaments in the near future for Battlegrounds Mobile India so esports enthusiasts and budding pros can look forward to grind in this new game and watch its esports scene grow when the game is launched.
If you have not pre-registered for this game yet, simply follow these steps to enroll yourselves. Remember that users with android devices only can join this process.
Click here to visit the BGMI listing on Google Play Store.
Click on “Pre-Register” and you will be enrolled in the process.
Players are getting exclusive rewards for pre-registering so do not miss out on this opportunity.
Riot Games has released Valorant Pride Cards to celebrate Pride month, and fans are eager to know how they can get their hands on one of these fancy cards.
In case you’re looking to know about the release date of these Pride cards, or simply want to learn how to grab yourself one, we have you covered.
There will be several Pride cards made available in the tactical shooter. While one of them will be a rainbow flag to represent the LGBTQI+ community, there will also be more individual cards to represent different sexualities.
These upcoming Pride cards will contain the following colour combinations:
Blue, pink and white
Pink, yellow and blue
Yellow, white, purple and black
Pink, purple and blue
Purple, white, grey and black
Red, orange, white, pink and purple
Valorant Pride Cards Release Date
While an exact release date for these Pride cards hasn’t been scheduled as of yet, players can expect the Pride cards to arrive within the next couple of weeks.
How players can obtain these highly anticipated Pride cards hasn’t been made clear by Riot Games. However, the devs have asked fans to keep an eye on the Valorant official website throughout June for updates about the cards’ release and ways to get them.
It’s likely that players may have to buy the Pride cards using Valorant Points, but it isn’t certain.
Riot Games has released Valorant Pride Cards to celebrate Pride month, and fans are eager to know how they can get their hands on one of these fancy cards.
In case you’re looking to know about the release date of these Pride cards, or simply want to learn how to grab yourself one, we have you covered.
There will be several Pride cards made available in the tactical shooter. While one of them will be a rainbow flag to represent the LGBTQI+ community, there will also be more individual cards to represent different sexualities.
These upcoming Pride cards will contain the following colour combinations:
Blue, pink and white
Pink, yellow and blue
Yellow, white, purple and black
Pink, purple and blue
Purple, white, grey and black
Red, orange, white, pink and purple
Valorant Pride Cards Release Date
While an exact release date for these Pride cards hasn’t been scheduled as of yet, players can expect the Pride cards to arrive within the next couple of weeks.
How players can obtain these highly anticipated Pride cards hasn’t been made clear by Riot Games. However, the devs have asked fans to keep an eye on the Valorant official website throughout June for updates about the cards’ release and ways to get them.
It’s likely that players may have to buy the Pride cards using Valorant Points, but it isn’t certain.
Riot Games have announced the next set of champions in the recent wild rift patch 2.3 updates. Presently, League of Legends: Wild Rift gives players the options to choose among 66 champions pool. Irelia and Riven are the two new additions to the champions list.
How to unlock Irelia and Riven for free in Wild Rift
With the launch of the new champions, Riot Games have announced Broken Blades Challenge for the players to unlock them for free. The event will run from June 3rd, 2021 | 00:00 UTC and end on June 15th, 2021 | 23:59 UTC.
The players need to complete the set of missions to unlock both the champions for free. The missions are divided into two parts – primary and secondary. Besides, unlocking the champions, the players will also get various rewards such as poor coins, blue motes, icons, and much more.
WILD RIFT CHAMPION MISSIONS
The players will get two sets of missions to unlock their favorite wild rift champions. You need to complete both, primary and secondary missions to get Champion Selection Chest (Riven or Irelia). Only after completing one set of missions, you could unlock the second champion.
RIVEN, THE EXILE
Once a swordmaster in the war hosts of Noxus, Riven holds a legendary runic blade and a Warband of her own. This skirmish champion is commonly played in the Baron lane. Here is the list of missions you need to complete to unlock this champion.
PRIMARY MISSIONS
MISSION
OBJECTIVE
REWARD
Proven in Battle
Play 5 games OR Participate in the first blood takedown
Maidens of the Blade icon
This May Hurt
Deal 65,000 damage to enemy champions
150 Blue Motes
Last One Standing
Play 5 games ORWin a game while having at least 15 takedowns
You’ve Been Exiled bauble
Rout Them!
As a team, kill a total of 1,000 minions
150 Blue Motes
Formidable Warrior
Play 5 games ORGet a triple kill or greater
Broken Blades Champion Selection Chest (Riven or Irelia)
The Spoils of War
Earn 60,000 gold
150 Blue Motes
Leading the Vanguard
Play 5 games OREarn an S rank medal
Broken Blades Pose Selection Chest (Riven Pose or Irelia Pose)
The Ancient Foe
As a team, kill Baron Nashor 2 times
150 Blue Motes
The Storm, and the Sword
Play 5 games ORAs Riven, get a takedown on an enemy champion that was recently hit with Wind Slash.
Fury of the Blade icon
SECONDARY MISSIONS
Once you complete all of Riven’s primary missions, you may bring your reforged blade to Irelia’s aid with these secondary missions!
MISSION
OBJECTIVE
REWARD
For the First Lands!
Play 5 games ORWin a game playing as an Ionian champion
20 Poro Coins
Challenge Accepted
Deal 65,000 damage to enemy champions
150 Blue Motes
Blind Their Scouts
Play 5 games ORDestroy at least 6 enemy wards in a single game
20 Poro Coins
Unworthy of the Blade
As a team, kill a total of 1,000 minions
150 Blue Motes
Light On Your Feet
Play 5 games ORWin a game in under 14 minutes
20 Poro Coins
All Ionia’s Riches
Earn 60,000 gold
150 Blue Motes
Pacify the Drakes
Play 5 games ORWin a game where your team defeated at least two dragons
20 Poro Coins
Triumph Over Oblivion
As a team, kill Baron Nashor 2 times
150 Blue Motes
Effortless Grace
Play 5 games ORAs Irelia, use Bladesurge to dash to 3 enemy different champions within 5 seconds.
20 Poro Coins
IRELIA, THE BLADE DANCER
The champion that belongs from Ionia is known for the ancient dances of her province. This driver champion is commonly played in the Baron lane. Here is the list of missions you need to complete to unlock this champion.
PRIMARY MISSIONS
MISSION
OBJECTIVE
REWARD
For the First Lands!
Play 5 games ORWin a game playing as an Ionian champion
Maidens of the Blade icon
Challenge Accepted
Deal 65,000 damage to enemy champions
150 Blue Motes
Blind Their Scouts
Play 5 games ORDestroy at least 6 enemy wards in a single game
Sharp and Deadly bauble
Unworthy of the Blade
As a team, kill a total of 1,000 minions
150 Blue Motes
Light On Your Feet
Play 5 games ORWin a game in under 14 minutes
Broken Blades Champion Selection Chest (Riven or Irelia)
All Ionia’s Riches
Earn 60,000 gold
150 Blue Motes
Pacify the Drakes
Play 5 games ORWin a game where your team defeated at least two dragons
Broken Blades Pose Selection Chest (Riven Pose or Irelia Pose)
Triumph Over Oblivion
As a team, kill Baron Nashor 2 times
150 Blue Motes
Effortless Grace
Play 5 games ORAs Irelia, use Bladesurge to dash to 3 enemy different champions within 5 seconds
Fury of the Blade icon
SECONDARY MISSIONS
Once you complete Irelia’s missions, you may bring your splintered blades to bear on the same trials as Riven!
MISSION
OBJECTIVE
REWARD
Proven in Battle
Play 5 games OR Participate in the first blood takedown
20 Poro Coins
This May Hurt
Deal 65,000 damage to enemy champions
150 Blue Motes
Last One Standing
Play 5 games ORWin a game while having at least 15 takedowns
20 Poro Coins
Rout Them!
As a team, kill a total of 1,000 minions
150 Blue Motes
Formidable Warrior
Play 5 games ORGet a triple kill or greater
20 Poro Coins
The Spoils of War
Earn 60,000 gold
150 Blue Motes
Leading the Vanguard
Play 5 games OREarn an S rank medal
20 Poro Coins
The Ancient Foe
As a team, kill Baron Nashor 2 times
150 Blue Motes
The Storm, and the Sword
Play 5 games ORAs Riven, get a takedown on an enemy champion that was recently hit with Wind Slash
20 Poro Coins
The players who can’t wait to play with their favorite wild rift champions. You can directly unlock the champion by purchasing it from the champion’s store.
With Episode 3 right on the edge, Riot has announced the introduction of the “Give Back” bundle, which will let the fans elect a skin from the past to return to the game.
Starting today, Riot’s website will host a poll to determine which skins is worthy to grace the game once again. The entire collection will be decided by fans instead of Riot and part of the profits will go towards charity.
Certain skins for all variety of weapons are available on the website, along with a real time counter that shows which gun is in the lead.
For Pistols we have Ego Ghost, Reaver Sheriff, Sakura Classic, G.U.N. Classic, and Magepunk Ghost.
For Shotguns and SMGs Sakura Stinger, VALORANT GO! Vol. 1 Spectre, Oni Bucky, Sovereign Stinger, and Celestial Judge are ready to be elected.
The rifle options are the Prime Vandal, Reaver Vandal, Prime 2.0 Phantom, Ion Phantom, and Infantry Guardian. And the sniper/LMG choices are Reaver Operator, Ion Operator, Wasteland Marshal, Sovereign Marshal, and Prime 2.0 Odin.
The voting results are expected to be up by 16th of June, with the Bundle ready for purchase between 22nd June and 8th July. 50% of the profits from weapons and 100% from accessories will be donated to a good cause.
Riot Games has reportedly confirmed its plans to expand VALORANT to other platforms. A report by DOT Esports state that the developers have assured its entry into mobile gaming with yet another new title. Valorant Mobile was rumored to be under development and apparently, Riot Games have concreted these speculations.
Valorant was the first tactical shooter game announced by Riot Games on the occasion of their 10th Anniversary. Riot announced multiple titles in this announcement and Valorant was one of them. The closed beta was released very soon and its popularity skyrocketed on streaming platforms like Twitch.
Streamers were allowed to provide limited access to the testing phase and this led to a huge rise in their viewership at an early stage. After the global release, its competitive scene began to grow, and within a year Riot Games managed to host their first-ever international LAN tournament for Valorant in Iceland.
Riot Games seems to be capitalizing on this success and plans to tap into the potential of the mobile gaming industry. As per the reports, the developers have confirmed their plans to expand Valorant in the mobile gaming market.
Anna Donlon, Executive producer for Valorant reportedly stated the following:
ONE OF OUR TOP GOALS THIS FIRST YEAR WAS TO EARN THE TRUST AND RESPECT OF THE GLOBAL FPS COMMUNITY AND TO PROVE TO THEM THAT VALORANT WILL ALWAYS UPHOLD THE FUNDAMENTALS OF A TRULY WORTHWHILE COMPETITIVE TAC-SHOOTER. TO SEE OUR GROWING PLAYER COMMUNITY RECOGNIZE AND APPRECIATE WHAT WE’RE TRYING TO DO WITH VALORANT IS BEYOND WHAT WE COULD’VE EXPECTED AND WE’RE THRILLED TO SOON OFFER THE SAME COMPETITIVE VALORANT EXPERIENCE TO EVEN MORE GLOBAL PLAYERS.
Valorant Mobile Release Date:
This confirmation is an exciting announcement for Valorant fans as well as mobile gamers. The release date or timeline for Valorant Mobile has not been revealed but the official announcement is expected to come in near future.
The fan favourite Night Market returns to Valorant today, the news came as a part of the Valorant YR1 events announcement.
Night market enables players to pick up skins at a discounted rate. 6 skins will be available to choose from, which includes skins for all weapons including knives. The “Give Back” bundle will let fans bring back skins from the past via a voting system, where the proceeds will be handed over to charity.
While the Night Market is basically a shot in the dark, Riot has promised to optimize it in a way it remains fairly random while catering to everyone’s need.
Skins in VALORANT have been commended for their inventive fine art and players all titles regard the exertion and detail put into VALORANT skins and for this exact reason, any update related to skins will be something on the better side.
Notwithstanding the Night Market, the players will decide on a progression of preselected skins to go in the bundle via voting.
The profits will partly go to a noble cause and could include well known skins like the Prime 2.0 Phantom, Reaver Vandal, and Ion Operator. Regardless, you’ll have the option to get a strong skin for as little as possible to praise one year of VALORANT.
