Rainbow Six Siege and its mobile version get China approval

In simple terms, the popular game Rainbow Six Siege and its mobile version are set to be released in China, following approval for Tencent to become the publisher there. The Chinese gaming market is massive, so this move could significantly increase the player base and Ubisoft’s profits.

Rainbow Six Siege and mobile going to China

In China, the government gave approval for the release of fifteen video games, among which are Rainbow Six Siege and its mobile version.

In simple terms, both computer and mobile versions of the game have been given approval, indicating that we’re almost ready to launch the game officially in China. Ubisoft is behind the development of Rainbow Six Siege, but they’ve collaborated with WeGame, a subsidiary of Tencent Games. In 2022, Tencent invested approximately $297 million in Ubisoft, with $200 million in shares and the remaining $100 million in cash. This investment was seen as a means to support Ubisoft’s future growth. It appears that Rainbow Six Siege entering the Chinese market might be one of the strategies to ensure this growth.

2015 saw the launch of Rainbow Six Siege, a tactical first-person shooter game that stands out among its peers due to its strategic gameplay. The game places great importance on teamwork and precise movement within enclosed spaces, necessitating strong communication and coordination among players. Ubisoft switched to a Game as a Service model, and fans have eagerly adapted to the new system. Over time, Rainbow Six Siege has fostered a vibrant competitive scene, culminating annually in the Six Invitational. In 2024, the Esports World Cup will feature a Rainbow Six Siege tournament with a prize pool of $2 million for participating teams.

Making it Ready for the Chinese Market

Rainbow Six Siege places great importance on strategic thought and striving for authentic gameplay. In 2018, Ubisoft revealed plans to alter the game’s development, aiming for a unified global version. While fans might not have been concerned if the game were initially released without violence, the shift in direction was clearly connected to a Chinese release, which potentially meant modifying key aspects that had become synonymous with Rainbow Six Siege. Despite strong criticism from fans, Ubisoft proceeded with subtle adjustments to make the game more appealing to Chinese players.

Excitedly speaking as a fan, I can’t wait for next year when we finally get our hands on Rainbow Six Siege Mobile! While the specific launch date hasn’t been announced yet, there’s speculation that it might drop in Q2 of 2025. What makes this particularly thrilling is that the game will be available in China from day one, potentially opening up a huge market for Ubisoft. With Tencent partnering on distribution, I believe Ubisoft will find it much smoother to reach and engage with players worldwide.