To optimize localization operations and enhance player experience, Moonton Games, a subsidiary of ByteDance, has announced a partnership with California-based publisher Skystone Games, officially transferring the U.S. publishing rights for the globally popular MOBA mobile game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) to the latter. This adjustment also covers "Mobile Legends: Adventure" (MLA) and "Marvel Snap," marking an upgrade in ByteDance's strategic layout in the U.S. market.
The Global Journey of a Phenomenon-Level MOBA Mobile Game
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) is a multiplayer online tactical battle mobile game launched by Moonton in 2016. With its fast-paced battles, diverse hero characters (over 120 currently), and competitive gameplay with low entry barriers, it quickly became a benchmark for mobile esports worldwide. As of 2025, the game has surpassed 1.5 billion downloads, with 110 million monthly active users across 135 regions, including Southeast Asia, Latin America, and North America, and boasts a mature event system with professional leagues (MPL) and global championships (MSC). A collaboration event with "Naruto" in 2024 set a peak for user activity.
Core Details of the Rights Transfer
Timeline and Platform Actions:
- The original version of MLBB has been removed from Google Play, with a new version, "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.US," now available for download.
- "Mobile Legends: Adventure" (MLA) and "Marvel Snap" have also transitioned to Skystone for publishing, allowing existing players to continue their games.
- Due to App Store review delays, the new version is expected to complete migration in early April, with players needing to link their accounts through the original app.
Data Migration Steps:
- Account Linking: Players should link their Moonton ID or Facebook account through "Settings - Account Center" in the original game.
- Progress Migration: After downloading the new version, players can log in with their linked account, and the system will automatically sync hero, skin, ranked match data, and friend lists.
Multi-Game Coverage and Impact:
- Marvel Snap: Already taken over by Skystone in January 2025, players can complete the transition through in-app updates.
- Mobile Legends: Adventure: The new version will introduce "North America server exclusive events," but global players can still match across servers.
Skystone's Localization Strategy
Founded in 2020, Skystone Games specializes in publishing independent games, having released titles like "HELLCARD" and "Tyrant’s Realm." Their core actions include:
Community and Events: Plans to build a North American player community for MLBB and explore collaborations for local esports events (the first article mentions their esports layout, while the third adds that the event ecosystem remains unaffected).
Technical Optimization: Commitment to providing a more stable online experience for U.S. players.
Future Outlook: Dual Advancement in Esports and Globalization
Moonton emphasizes that the rights adjustment will not affect the core development of the game or its global strategy:
Chinese Market: Continued expansion into the global mobile esports market, including China.
IP Derivatives: Continuation of collaboration strategies with globally recognized IPs.
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