Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) is a MOBA title
It is no surprise that the mobile MOBA game, Mobile Legends: Bang Boom, has been a commercial success in its native SEA region, but the esports game has struggled in North America. The M3 North America Qualifier had just 19.819 viewers, which is not much when compared to the other MLBB esports tournaments in the SEA region.
Despite its comparatively small size, MLBB is a very accessible MOBA game. With over 39 different fearless heroes, players will find a role to match their playstyle. Whether you prefer Assassin, Mage, Support, Warrior, Marksman, or Tank, Overwatch has something for you. You can even play the game in a 5v5 or 1v1 mode, and there is also a game mode called ‘MVP’ that lets you play your favorite character in this battle mode.
It’s popular in SEA region
Mobile esports are rarely as competitive as the MLBB, a new MOBA game that is hugely popular in Southeast Asia. Riot Games even sued the developer of MLBB for stealing its idea for the game. But despite the suit, mobile gaming is proving that handheld devices are capable of delivering competitive gaming to the masses. Western esports are geared toward consoles, and while mobile gaming has its place in the western esports community, it has made itself more accessible to players in developing nations.
The MLBB has two franchise leagues, MPL Indonesia and MPL Philippines, and is breaking audience records all the time. In season nine, the Indonesian league garnered 2.8 million viewers, and PUBG Mobile has also announced plans to experiment with franchises in SEA. However, these are only two examples of why mobile gaming is becoming increasingly popular outside of the west.
It’s growing in MENA region
It may seem surprising to some, but the popularity of MLBB in other regions of the world has surprised many western fans of esports. For one thing, the MLBB Southeast Asia Cup (MSC) 2022 reached a peak audience of 2.8 million viewers – a high number compared to other mobile gaming competitions in the SEA region. Another reason why this esports event is doing so well is because it’s available for a variety of mobile platforms.
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While Western mobile games are increasingly becoming the top games in the world, MLBB continues to break viewership records in emerging markets. Two of its franchised leagues, MPL Philippines and MPL Indonesia, regularly break viewership records. In fact, season nine of the league had a peak viewership of 2.8 million. The success of MLBB has spawned other franchised leagues in emerging markets like Indonesia. PUBG Mobile has recently announced their intention to try out franchising in SEA.
It’s competing with other esports titles
MLBB is a popular esport that has exploded in popularity in recent years. The game has earned nearly a billion dollars worldwide, which makes it the most popular mobile game of its genre. In addition, it’s a fast-growing franchise, with the likes of PUBG Mobile, CS:GO, and Overwatch continuing to grow in popularity. And it’s not just the players who are enjoying the game, either. Fans of the game in the Philippines can experience a real-life MLB experience by joining the SEA league.
While the MLBB world championships are highly popular, the leagues are small and competition-based. The first league was called MLBB Southeast Asia Cup, and it achieved peak viewership of 2.8 million viewers. This popularity is reflected in the MLBB’s new esports system, with regional leagues determining the top teams. However, the game has also faced legal issues resulting from accusations of stealing from popular esports titles such as League of Legends and Wild Rift.