League of Legends owner Riot is working with Tencent to develop an Android and iOS version of the famous Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA). By 2018, the game already had over 100 million players.
According to the Reuters report, the game has been in development for over a year but only in 2020 will we see a possible release. In fact, this would not be the first attempt to bring the game to mobile phones.
Riot says Tencent approached the developer a few years ago with the same idea. However, Riot declined, arguing that the experience that League of Legends offers would not perform well on mobile devices.
However, we have seen games like PUBG, Fortnite and Hearthstone receiving mobile versions. These examples, coupled with improved mobile phone software and hardware may have influenced Riot's decision to move forward with the mobile version of its most popular game.
Best Mobile MOBAs
Arena of Valor
There are now MOBA style games that you can play on your phone. One of them is the Arena of Valor, already mentioned. Developed by Tencent, it is the best alternative to League of Legends for mobile phones. You can download it for free through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Mobile legends
This is also a very popular 5 player versus 5 format. You have a lot of maps and characters to choose from, all in a three-dimensional anime style. Available for Android and iOS.
Vainglory
Vainglory is probably the most intense of the games we suggest. This MOBA aims to provide you with the intensity and strategy involved in computer titles but all condensed on your mobile phone. Available on Android and iOS.
It can't simply be a mobile copy of the original game.
The question is how Riot and Tencent will transport the League of Legends experience to touch screens. MOBA is extremely competitive and requires very specific controls on its combat system, similar to World of Warcraft.
League of Legends is also extremely popular in eSports and tournaments. Due to its advanced gameplay, a mobile version may not be as well accepted by players.
The niche of gaming smartphones shows no signs of stopping. So by 2020, we may already have better integration of mobile phones with gaming peripherals such as triggers and gamepads. These accessories can make the League of Legends mobile experience more enjoyable for veteran or novice players.
