Valorant Mobile's development is gathering pace.
It's been almost two years since Valorant was announced to be coming to mobile, and in that time, we've heard and seen very little about the game.
Early on, footage emerged from a closed beta test in China, revealing at least six playable agents and the Ascent map.
In January of this year, the developers finally said something publicly, though it didn't amount to much. Confirming the game is still coming to other platforms (Valorant is also coming to consoles).
"It's going slower than we hoped. Probably slower than you hoped," remarked Valorant Executive Producer Anna Donlon then.
And that was basically it - until now.
In recent days, a number of signs have pointed to the next stage in Valorant Mobile's development, with rumors that a new closed beta is to take place.
Valorant Mobile Files Discovered In Latest Test Build
While the following information isn't of the 'soft launch coming soon' variety, it shows that Valorant Mobile is making steady progress, and we should be hearing much more about it in the coming weeks and months.
The first thing that emerged was the discovery of files related to Valorant Mobile in the most recent Public Beta Environment (PBE), a build of the mainline game used to test new features.
The addition of these files perhaps reveals that Valorant Mobile is catching up to the mainline game on the development side and suggests we may see crossplay - or at least cross-progression - between the games.
Tons of VALORANT Mobile files have been added into the latest PBE Patch, which should roll out with 6.06. Expect VAL Mobile beta in the new few months. [#VALORANT]
— Mike | Valorant Leaks & News (@ValorLeaks) March 16, 2023
Following this, reports emerged that an in-person playtest was set to task place later this month in Guangzhou, China.
If such a test takes place, it would allow the developers to road test the game's latest build and get feedback from gamers, but minimize the risk of footage being leaked to the outside world.
NEW PLAY TESTING FOR VALORANT MOBILE!Valorant Mobile will be running another private play test around end of March!Play test will happen in city of Guangzhou, near Hong Kong. CN pic.twitter.com/Qn99VUkhUm
— Valorant Mobile Intel & News (@ValorantMBIntel) March 16, 2023
While this is all very exciting - especially after almost two years of virtual silence - one voice emerged to dampen expectations: that of Global Esports' CEO Rushindra Sinha.
In a viral clip, Sinha claimed that Valorant Mobile would not be released this year, with 2024 being more likely. He says that the mainline game is currently the team's "primary focus," though Valorant Mobile has "come a long way" developmentally.
Sinha offered one glimmer of hope: "There is a possibility of an open beta test this year," claiming his information comes "straight from Riot."
LEAK:" 'Straight from Riot,' Valorant Mobile will not be ready for release this year... next year (2024), chances are a lot higher. There might be an Open-BETA test this year..."-- CEO of Global Esports, Rushindra Sinha pic.twitter.com/rBX1zhaPL6
— PlayerIGN (@PlayerIGN) March 17, 2023
So, Valorant Mobile's development continues and there are signs it is gathering pace, just don't be too disappointed if you reach New Year's day and you still haven't played Valorant on the bus.