After its recent launch, Honor of Kings is now doubling down on the market with a two-pronged strategy. First, build a creator ecosystem, then strengthen its esports pathway. For this, the game has announced the rollout of HOK Studio, alongside the King’s Arise India: KWC at EWC26 Qualifier. Here’s everything you need to know.
HOK Studio to Boost Creator Ecosystem
At the center of this push is HOK Studio, the game’s official creator platform designed to support content creators across formats. This includes short videos, livestreams, tutorials, esports coverage, and more. As part of its initial phase in India, HOK Studio will introduce a Content Creator Incentive Program with rewards exceeding ₹1 crore (₹10 million). Creators can also get access to in-game tokens, exclusive rewards, official promotional support, and even early access to new content.
Dean Huang, the game’s producer, said:
India is a key market for Honor of Kings, and our focus is on building a strong, localised ecosystem that goes beyond gameplay. With HOK Studio, we are committed to developing a program worth an initial ₹10 million, to empower creators who play a critical role in shaping how the game is experienced and shared. At the same time, through initiatives like the KWC at EWC26 Qualifier, we are creating opportunities for Indian players to compete at the highest global level. Together, these efforts reflect our long-term commitment to growing both the creator and competitive ecosystems in India.
EWC Qualifier
Alongside creators, the game is also focusing heavily on competitive play. The King’s Arise India: KWC at EWC26 Qualifier will act as a structured pathway for Indian teams to reach the global stage. Registration for the tournament will run from April 19 to April 26, followed by open qualifiers, playoffs, and offline finals on May 17. The tournament features a prize pool of ₹5 lakh and will eventually select two teams to represent India at the global KWC event, where the total prize pool stands at $3 million.
The competition will follow global formats like Global Ban & Pick, which prevents teams from reusing heroes across matches, and a Bo7 Grand Final with an “Ultimate Battle” tiebreaker. These formats are designed to test strategy, adaptability, and team coordination at the highest level.
