Valorant patch 1.08 leak hints at a mobile release

Valorant's 1.08 update fixes various in-game bugs. However, a leak in the latest patch hints towards a potential iOS and Android release for the popular tactical shooter. 

Recently, a video surfaced on the internet in which data miners found a curious leak while browsing through code following release of patch 1.08. A functional mobile UI could be seen on the screen, hinting at the release of Valorant's Android version. 

YouTuber SkillCapped ran the game on a touchscreen device. His video showed a menu pop up on the right side of the screen upon double-tapping. This feature is only available on touchscreen devices, which could also mean that a mobile version might be in the works. 

Valorant game director Joe Ziegler has previously hinted at mobile and console versions, but didn't confirm how long either would take to release. However, a functional mobile UI could mean that the fans won't have to wait for long.

“While we are exploring other platforms like console and mobile, right now the team is working hard to deliver a top notch experience on PC,” Zeigler said. 

Unlike many other games that found success after a period of struggling to ramp up, Valorant has dominated the PC gaming scene from the very beginning. Since its official release, Riot's tactical shooter has shot to prominence. The success could be attributed to the game's mechanical comparisons to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Overwatch, as well as Riot’s extensive marketing efforts.

After cementing a foot in the PC ecosystem, Valorant devs may have their eyes set on the mobile gaming market. Mobile esports has recently risen to fame, forming a whole new player base around the world. The accessibility of mobile games has created a tremendous market for investors. 

Is Valorant coming to mobile devices soon? 

The small clip uploaded by YouTuber SkillCapped airing the leak has caused a frenzy among fans who have been waiting for the mobile release since the cursory mention from Valorant’s game director.

PC players, especially those who play highly precise shooters such as CSGO, mostly oppose cross-platform play. Blast Valorant's official Twitter handle also had something to say on potential mobile release. 

"Please no cross platform, please no cross platform, PLEASE!" the tweet mentioned. 

Few PC games have succeeded to make it big on mobile due to potential bugs and errors that can be found in translation. Valorant's developers have always been responsive to the fans and quick to fix bugs, and this dynamic could warrant Valorant’s entry into mobile.