Tencent, the largest video game publisher in China, has been making waves in the gaming industry for years. Founded in 1998 by Ma Huateng, Tencent has evolved from a small internet company to a global giant with a diverse portfolio of games and technologies.

In 2015, Tencent acquired Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, marking its entry into the esports scene. This acquisition was a significant milestone for Tencent, as League of Legends is one of the most popular PC games in the world.

Tencent's growth didn't stop there. In 2018, it secured the rights to officially release PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) in China, further solidifying its position in the gaming industry. This deal allowed PUBG to reach a vast audience in China, one of the largest gaming markets in the world.

In addition to acquiring and publishing popular games, Tencent has also developed its own IPs. WeGame, a digital game platform launched by Tencent in 2017, is designed to rival Steam's dominance in the Chinese market. WeGame offers a wide range of games, including PUBG Mobile, which became one of the highest-grossing games in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tencent has also been exploring the world of mobile gaming with Call of Duty: Mobile, a free-to-play first-person shooter game released in 2019. The game was announced as one of the most downloaded games on iOS and Android devices, reaching 35 million downloads within three days of its release.

The company's focus on innovation has led to the development of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and facial recognition systems. In July 2021, Tencent introduced "Midnight Patrol," a facial recognition system designed to prevent minors from playing certain games at night, complying with China's regulations on gaming for minors.

Tencent has also been expanding its presence in the global market through Level Infinite, a high-quality game brand established in December 2021. Level Infinite aims to create immersive gaming experiences that appeal to a wider audience.

In recent years, Tencent has invested heavily in game development and publishing, with five in-house game studios working on various projects. One of these studios, Lightspeed LA, is currently working on a cinematic AAA open-world project.

Tencent's commitment to innovation and expansion has earned it recognition as the world's largest gaming company, according to Polygon. The company continues to push boundaries in the gaming industry, from developing its own IPs to exploring new technologies and markets.

About Tencent

Tencent Holdings Limited is a Chinese conglomerate that operates various businesses, including gaming, social media, e-commerce, fintech, and more. Founded in 1998 by Ma Huateng, Tencent has become one of the largest companies in China and a significant player in the global gaming industry.

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