Legends at War: Tracing the Legal Feud Between Riot Games and Moonton

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The M6 World Championship for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is on track to break records, signaling another milestone for the mobile esports powerhouse. Developed by Shanghai-based Moonton, the title has become a global phenomenon and a cornerstone of mobile esports. With three of the top five most-viewed mobile esports tournaments to its credit, Mobile Legends has emerged as one of the most sustainable and successful esports ecosystems in the market.

Yet, despite its impressive ascent, Mobile Legends remains second to League of Legends in the broader esports landscape. Riot Games’ flagship title, launched in 2009, continues to dominate competitive gaming. Its 2024 World Championship reached a peak viewership of 6.94 million, underscoring its unrivaled position in the industry.

The rivalry between these esports heavyweights extends beyond viewership metrics and tournaments. Riot Games has spent nearly a decade pursuing Moonton in court, accusing the Chinese developer of systematically copying League of Legends’ designs, characters, and gameplay mechanics. The legal battle, stretching across jurisdictions in the U.S. and Asia, has pitted Riot and its parent company, Tencent, against Moonton in a high-stakes dispute over intellectual property rights.