Vietnamese game company Funtap Games has become the publisher of mobile MOBA game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) in Vietnam.
As a result, Funtap Games will be responsible for developing the title in the country in addition to organising esports tournament ecosystems.
According to a release, Funtap Games will collaborate with the Vietnam Entertainment Esports Association (VIRESA) to create an esports ecosystem featuring grassroots initiatives and tournaments for semi-professional and professional teams. In addition, the two parties will join forces to increase the opportunities for women to compete in ‘international tournaments for women.’
Alongside building an ecosystem, VIRSEA and Funtap Games will collaborate to select members of the Vietnam national team to compete in regional and international Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournaments.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s availability in Vietnam ceased in January 2024 after Vietnamese technology company VNG pulled its support of the game in the country. A report from news outlet Vietnam.vn claims the decision to cease support of the game was due to the competition of other MOBA titles in the country’s gaming and esports markets.
As a result of the new partnership though, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang will be re-released in the domestic market.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang continues to consolidate its position as one of the largest mobile esports titles in the world. In June, MLBB creators MOONTON Games expanded its partnership with Saudi Arabian megaproject Qiddiya to grow the game’s esports ecosystem across the world.
Joe Jiang, Marketing Director of MOONTON Games’ Game Publishing Department, spoke on the news: “Vietnam is an important market in the Southeast Asian region and Moonton Games believes that with a long-term vision as well as through the joint efforts of both parties, they will systematically and professionally build a strong MLBB community in Vietnam as well as bring users an increasingly better gaming experience.”
