History of Tencent Games in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 29, 2024

Tencent Games, established in 2003 as the video game publishing arm of Tencent Interactive Entertainment, specializes in online games. The company boasts five internal studio groups, including the notable TiMi Studio Group. In 2021, Tencent Games introduced its global brand, Level Infinite, headquartered in Singapore.

2003: Tencent Games Founded

Tencent Games was founded in 2003 as a subdivision of Tencent Interactive Entertainment, focusing on online games.

2004: Release of QQ Tang and Other QQ-Based Games

Tencent Games released its first game, QQ Tang, based on its QQ social media platform, in 2004. This was followed by a series of other QQ-themed games in various genres.

2011: Tencent Games Enters Online Multiplayer Gaming Market

In 2011, Tencent Games began hosting online multiplayer games like Call of Duty Online and League of Legends, demonstrating their expansion into a new market.

August 2013: Tencent Games Publishes Smite in Mainland China

In August 2013, Tencent Games partnered with Hi-Rez Studios to publish the game Smite in Mainland China.

2013: Tencent Shifts Focus to Mobile Gaming

Tencent Games began shifting its focus towards mobile gaming in 2013, capitalizing on the growing mobile game market. They leveraged their Mobile QQ and WeChat platforms to establish a large user base for their mobile games.

2015: Release of Honor of Kings

Tencent Games launched the multiplayer online battle arena game Honor of Kings in 2015, exclusively for the Chinese market.

2016: Tencent Develops TGP Gaming Console

Tencent Games began developing their own video game console, the TGP (Tencent Gaming Platform) Box, in 2016. The console, later renamed 'Blade,' aimed to compete in the hardware market.

April 2017: Tencent Unveils WeGame Platform

In April 2017, Tencent Games announced WeGame, their new flagship gaming platform designed to compete with Steam by offering a wide array of games and services internationally.

September 2017: WeGame Platform Launch

Tencent Games launched the WeGame platform on September 1, 2017, featuring a curated selection of PC and standalone games and a focus on supporting indie developers.

November 2017: Tencent Secures Exclusive Rights to PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds in China

On November 22, 2017, Tencent Games partnered with PUBG Studios to gain exclusive publishing rights for PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds in China.

2017: Honor of Kings Becomes Global Phenomenon and Release of Arena of Valor

By 2017, Honor of Kings had become the world's most popular and highest-grossing game. That same year, Tencent Games released an international version titled Arena of Valor under their Level Infinite brand.

March 2019: Tencent's TiMi Studio Group to Develop Call of Duty: Mobile

In March 2019, Tencent announced that its subsidiary, TiMi Studio Group, would be developing a mobile version of the popular first-person shooter franchise Call of Duty for Activision.

October 2019: Release of Call of Duty: Mobile

Call of Duty: Mobile was released worldwide on October 1, 2019, quickly becoming a financial success, exceeding 35 million downloads and $2 million in revenue in its first week.

March 2020: PUBG Mobile and Honor of Kings Dominate Mobile Game Revenue Charts

In March 2020, PUBG Mobile, including its Chinese version, and Honor of Kings became the top two highest-earning mobile games globally, fueled by increased gaming during the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 2021: Tencent Implements "Midnight Patrol" Facial Recognition System

In July 2021, Tencent Games implemented a controversial facial recognition system called "Midnight Patrol" in China. The system aimed to enforce playtime restrictions for minors during nighttime hours.

December 2021: Tencent Launches New Game Publishing Brand Under Level Infinite

In December 2021, Tencent Games expanded its Level Infinite brand by incorporating Proxima Beta games. This expansion solidified Level Infinite's role in global marketing, esports, and events for Tencent's game studios and their partners.