HOK Streamer Migration: From Brilliant MLBB to Amazing Honor of Kings

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HOK

TL;DR

Honor of Kings (HoK) launched globally on June 20, 2024, accelerating a wave of creators testing or fully switching from Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) to HoK. Tencent/Level Infinite committed ~$15M to build HoK’s global esports, with invitational events and regional circuits that opened fresh content lanes for streamers. In 2025, headline shifts included ChooxTv joining as an official content creator, BTK moving from MLBB to HoK in North America, and PH stars Yawi, H2Wo, Renejay announcing their jump—signals that discovery, sponsorship, and narrative potential are expanding around HoK.

This guide explains why the migration is happening, who it fits, and exactly how to pivot without losing your audience—covering content strategy, production, gameplay onboarding, community management, monetization, KPIs, and a 90-day roadmap. We also map Philippine events (e.g., HoK Clash Philippines 2024), showing how creators can plug into local storylines.

1) Market Snapshot: The Mobile MOBA Landscape in 2024–2025

  • Global launch unlocked new markets. HoK went worldwide on June 20, 2024—after staged releases in MENA, CIS, South Asia, Brazil, and Türkiye—giving creators a genuinely global content playground.
  • Revenue & momentum. HoK was reported as 2024’s highest-grossing mobile game globally (~$2.6B), indicating strong consumer appetite and marketing firepower—favorable for creators seeking brand deals and long-term stability.
  • Esports investment. Level Infinite and partners earmarked ~$15M to seed HoK’s international esports in 2024 and reaffirmed a $15M push in 2025, including invitational circuits, regional leagues, and a visible global roadmap—fuel for story arcs streamers can ride.
  • Philippine footprint. HoK officially launched in the Philippines on global day, followed by local tournament activations (e.g., HoK Clash Philippines 2024 with a live Grand Final at SMX), creating creator-friendly offline hooks (watch parties, interviews, behind-the-scenes).

What this means for streamers: Strategic timing favors early movers. A new ecosystem (game + esports + local events) typically delivers algorithmic novelty, sponsor curiosity, and audience sampling behavior—the trifecta for rapid channel growth if you execute cleanly.

2) The Shift Is Real: Notable Moves and Why They Matter

  • ChooxTv (one of MLBB’s most recognizable creators) became an official HoK content creator in late 2024—an inflection point that normalized experimentation among PH creators.
  • BTK (BloodThirstyKings), a top NA MLBB org, officially switched to HoK in July 2025—giving North American viewers and brands a marquee narrative.
  • Yawi, H2Wo, Renejay—household names in PH MLBB—announced a move to HoK in July 2025, dragging significant fanbases and sponsor interest into the new title.

Why these names matter: Migration becomes a trend when anchor creators and headline teams cross the chasm. Their presence legitimizes the content pipeline—scrims, watch-alongs, metagame breakdowns, personality collabs—and makes brands more comfortable funding experiments.

Reality check: Not every MLBB creator should instantly flip. The winners will test, measure, and transition deliberately, leveraging MLBB to feed HoK discovery rather than burning bridges.

3) Why Streamers Are Switching: 10 Pull-Forces You Can Leverage

  1. Early-mover advantage
    New game + global marketing = content scarcity. If you publish the right tutorials and meta explainers first, you can own search and recommendation slots for months.
  2. Esports storylines
    Invitational series, local qualifiers (e.g., HoK Clash Philippines, Open Series), and cross-regional events offer calendarized content—predictions, live watch parties, VOD analysis, player interviews.
  3. Dev/Publisher support
    Official creator programs, whitelisting for soundtracks/skins, event passes, and paid activations can subsidize the ramp period.
  4. Fresh meta + hero IP
    HoK’s hero pool, itemization, and pacing are similar yet distinct from MLBB. This balance reduces learning friction while providing new angles (role remapping, combo trees).
  5. Sponsor appetite
    Brands follow momentum. New flagships (global device makers, telcos, fintech) want first movers for integrated campaigns tied to launch windows and esports milestones.
  6. Cross-platform discoverability
    Short-form (Reels/TikTok/Shorts) rewards “first to explain a patch” or new hero tech. HoK’s rapid content cycle fits this perfectly.
  7. Regional hooks
    PH/SEA activations and global events (e.g., EWC branches; invitational seasons) give streamers offline content and on-site collabs, lifting watch time.
  8. Audience curiosity
    MLBB fans will sample HoK streams to compare heroes, lanes, and macro. You’ll capture a slice if your onboarding content is crisp and respectful.
  9. Longer shelf life for educational content
    Quality, evergreen “Start here” videos (controls, roles, ranked climb) accrue consistent search traffic for months.
  10. Global language reach
    Because HoK launched across regions simultaneously, English-language explainers can travel farther than region-locked MLBB content. Level Infinite

4) Who Should Switch (and How Fast)?

Best fit profiles

  • Guide-first educators who excel at clear, step-by-step tutorials, matchup charts, and patch notes.
  • Personality streamers with strong Discords who can carry a portion of the audience anywhere.
  • Esports analysts who can turn qualifiers and invitationals into talk shows, watch-parties, and highlight breakdowns.

Pace of transition

  • Phase 1 (2–4 weeks): 80% MLBB / 20% HoK. Publish 1–2 HoK videos/week, test thumbnails/titles, and monitor retention.
  • Phase 2 (4–8 weeks): 60% MLBB / 40% HoK. Add weekly HoK stream, two shorts/day.
  • Phase 3 (8–12 weeks): 30% MLBB / 70% HoK if the numbers justify (CTR, AVD, CCV, RPM). Keep one MLBB stream as a community bridge.

5) The Content Blueprint (What to Upload, When, and Why)

A) Weekly programming grid

  • Mon – Meta Monday: Patch recap, tier list, role-by-role changes.
  • Tue – Tutorial Tuesday: 10-minute hero guide + 30-sec vertical “key combo” short.
  • Wed – Scrim Stories: Duo-queue VOD with pros/partners + timestamped analysis.
  • Thu – Tactics Thursday: Objective timing, wave control, rotation maps (downloadable PNG in description).
  • Fri – Fan Friday: Q&A, viewer replays, roast-my-build (positive tone).
  • Sat – Showday: Watch-party for qualifiers/invitationals with predictive overlays & prize-draws.
  • Sun – Highlights & Shorts dump: 6–10 clips scheduled across Shorts/Reels/TikTok.

B) Pillar video series

  1. “MLBB → HoK” Beginners Track (6-part): controls, roles, laning, jungle routes, itemization, ranked climb.
  2. Hero 101 (per release): 8–10 min teach + 60-sec short + thumbnail kit.
  3. Pro Meta Explained: cut 3 top plays from last event and recreate in custom lobby; over-the-shoulder cam + HUD zooms.
  4. Coach’s Notebook (members-only): weekly VOD review + downloadable notes.

C) Thumbnail and title rules (SEO + CTR)

  • Front-load target query: “Honor of Kings [Hero] Guide”.
  • Include one strong visual (hero render or in-fight frame) + one metric (“+200 LP in 3 days”).
  • Keep titles ≤ 60 chars, thumbnails < 10 words, and contrast colors for mobile clarity.

6) Production: Make Your Stream Look—and Sound—Pro

Core stack

  • OBS Studio with scene collections: Game, Cam-large explain, Tactics board (browser source), BRB, Clips replay.
  • Capture: Android/iOS via USB (scrcpy) or HDMI capture (e.g., USB 3.0 card) for stable 60 fps.
  • Audio chain: XLR mic → audio interface; apply gentle noise gate + de-esser.
  • On-screen overlays: Minimal, HUD-clear first (viewers must see ability cooldowns).
  • Short-form extractor: Replay buffer + auto-markers; batch export to 9:16 with burned-in captions.

Mobile readability tips

  • Use cursor highlight during explainers.
  • Zoom into the mini-map and item tray during key moments.
  • Add a “combo bar” overlay for hero guides (visual mnemonic: AA-Skill1-Skill2-Ult).

7) Gameplay Onboarding for MLBB Veterans

Map & pacing
HoK’s lanes/objectives feel familiar but differ in timings, jungle tempo, and teamfight commitment. Build a cheat-sheet: spawn timers, buff priority, rotation windows. (Your first video should be this one.)

Role mapping

  • EXP laners often become Solo lane anchors; emphasize wave reset discipline before roam.
  • Roam/Support in HoK relies on fog control and pre-emptive warding; clip pro rotations from recent invitationals.

Itemization & talent (runes) translation
Create a two-column chart: “If you used X in MLBB, start with Y in HoK.” Update after each patch (pin a Google Sheet link).

Scrim routine (solo → duo → 5-stack)

  • Week 1–2: solo focus on last-hit accuracy and wave tempo.
  • Week 3–4: duo with voice comms; run objective timing drills.
  • Week 5+: 5-stack for set plays (flank angles, bait & punish).

8) Community: Bring Your Audience With You

  • Two-platform announcements: Explain why you’re testing HoK; reassure MLBB viewers you’ll still host familiar segments.
  • Polls & co-creation: Let fans pick the next hero guide or best-of 3 challenge.
  • Discord structure: #mlbb, #hok-guides, #clips, #scrim-signups; pin onboarding kits and stream schedules.
  • Viewer incentives: Member-only VOD reviews, community tournaments with modest prize pools (compliant with platform rules), profile-banner shoutouts.
  • Moderation playbook: Clear rules on game wars/toxicity; celebrate playstyle differences rather than “which is better.”

9) Monetization: Keep the Revenue While You Pivot

Platform flows

  • YouTube: Ad RPM + Channel Memberships + Super Chats + VOD evergreen income (guides).
  • Facebook/TikTok Live: Stars/coins + short-form brand integrations (15–30s reads).
  • Sponsorships: Mobile devices, ISPs/telcos, energy drinks, peripherals, fintech/payment apps.

Pitch deck must-haves

  • Audience map: % Philippines / SEA / global; device split; age bands.
  • Case studies: “Patch X video delivered 250k views in 7 days.”
  • Deliverables: 1 live read + 2 Shorts + 1 IG carousel per week.
  • Safety: Music-safe library, moderation policy, brand-safety record.
  • KPIs: CTR, AVD, % returning viewers, short-form completion, conversion screenshots.

Creator math
Target a blended RPM across VOD + Shorts + Live. HoK’s global novelty can lift sponsor CPMs—track every campaign in a simple revenue dashboard.

10) Risks to Manage (So They Don’t Sink You)

  • Viewership dip during the test phase: defend with predictable MLBB slots and cross-promo highlights.
  • Over-promising to sponsors: pilot first; sell a 3-week test pack before a 3-month retainer.
  • Burnout: lock a 2-day off rule; queue Shorts ahead.
  • Community division: adopt “both/and” language—teach comparative systems (“In MLBB you did X; in HoK try Y”).
  • Patch volatility: maintain a living doc (Notion/Sheet) to update builds live.

11) The 90-Day Migration Roadmap

Days 0–14 (Set the stage)

  • Publish Announcement VOD: “Why I’m testing HoK (and what it means for MLBB fans).”
  • Release two pillar videos (Beginner’s Guide + Role Mapping) + six Shorts.
  • Build thumbnail system (colors/fonts/icons) and a Google Sheet for builds.

Days 15–30 (Proof of concept)

  • Add 1 HoK livestream/week with a viewer VOD review segment.
  • Post Hero 101 #1 and Tactics Board #1; push 10 Shorts from each live.
  • Secure one local event tie-in (watch-party or creator 1v1). If possible, align with PH qualifiers/Clash content.

Days 31–60 (Scale)

  • Move to 2 HoK lives/week; retain 1 MLBB live as a bridge.
  • Launch members-only Coach’s Notebook; offer brand test pack (3 weeks).
  • Book collabs with a returning pro or known caster; co-stream a qualifier and publish best-trick explainer.

Days 61–90 (Commit or calibrate)

  • If CTR ≥ 6%, AVD ≥ 35%, CCV trend up, shift to 70% HoK / 30% MLBB.
  • Lock quarterly sponsor; plan IRL content (bootcamp, arena visit).
  • Publish “90-Day Report” video—show the data, thank supporters, and preview next quarter.

12) Philippines Angle: Local Hooks You Should Use

  • Launch & events. HoK’s PH launch (June 20, 2024) created a baseline of curious players. Use “Start Here” content tagged PH/SEA to capture search.
  • Tournament storylines. Feature HoK Clash Philippines 2024 highlights and future qualifiers to keep your calendar full.
  • Star power. Track PH personalities jumping to HoK—Yawi, H2Wo, Renejay—for watch-parties and analysis; respectful narratives earn cross-fandom goodwill.

13) Metrics That Matter (Decide With Data)

  • Discovery: CTR (target ≥ 5–7%), impressions, unique viewers.
  • Retention: AVD % (watch time / video length), retention dips (fix pacing).
  • Loyalty: Returning viewers %, community tab engagement, Discord MAU.
  • Revenue: Blended RPM, sponsor CPM, membership churn.
  • Esports lift: Peaks during event days vs. regular weeks—double down where spikes happen.

MPL PH Season 15 Amazing Venue: Green Sun Hotel Highlights

14) Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)

Creators: If you’ve been thinking about HoK, make the smart switch—test, measure, and scale. Start this week:

  1. Post your HoK Beginner’s Guide (8–10 minutes) and three Shorts.
  2. Schedule one test livestream with a “learn a hero together” format.
  3. Open a Discord #hok-guides channel and pin your build sheet.
  4. DM two creators for a duo collab, and pitch one brand a 3-week trial pack.

If you’d like a free Migration Kit (thumbnail PSDs, VOD outline, Shorts caption bank, build sheet template), say “SEND HOK KIT” and I’ll share a customizable pack.

Honor of Kings’ global launch (June 20, 2024) and a reported ~$15M esports push in 2024–2025 sparked a real migration of creators from Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. High-profile moves—ChooxTv becoming an official HoK creator (2024), BTK switching in North America (July 2025), and PH stars Yawi, H2Wo, and Renejay announcing their jump—validated the trend and drew fan and sponsor attention. The article explains why streamers pivot: early-mover discoverability, publisher support, fresh meta, active events (e.g., HoK Clash Philippines), brand curiosity, short-form virality, and broader global reach.

It outlines who should switch (guide-first educators, strong personalities, esports analysts) and how to transition via a phased 90-day plan: start 80/20 MLBB→HoK, scale content if CTR/AVD/CCV improve, and retain a weekly MLBB slot to reduce churn. A weekly programming grid (Meta Monday, Tutorial Tuesday, watch-parties) plus pillar series (MLBB→HoK onboarding, Hero 101, Pro Meta Explained) anchors SEO and retention. Production tips cover OBS scenes, mobile capture, audio, and shorts pipelines. Gameplay onboarding maps MLBB roles/items to HoK, while community tactics (polls, Discord, viewer VODs) and monetization (VOD RPM, memberships, brand test packs) protect income. Risks—view dips, burnout, toxic “game wars”—are mitigated through data-driven pacing, clear moderation, and consistent, respectful cross-fandom messaging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) Is Honor of Kings officially live in the Philippines and globally?

Yes. HoK launched globally on June 20, 2024, with earlier rollouts in certain regions. The PH launch coincided with global day, supported by local tournament activations.

2) What proof is there of streamers moving from MLBB to HoK?

Notable examples include ChooxTv becoming an official HoK creator (2024), BTK switching to HoK in NA (July 2025), and PH stars Yawi, H2Wo, Renejay announcing their move (July 2025). These are public, reported shifts that indicate traction.

3) Why would a mid-sized MLBB streamer consider switching?

Early-mover discovery, publisher support, esports storylines, and sponsor curiosity can lift views and CPMs—especially if you produce high-quality how-to content and capitalize on event calendars (qualifiers, invitationals).

4) Will I lose my MLBB audience if I stream HoK?

Some churn is normal, but you can mitigate it by phasing the switch (keep a weekly MLBB slot), using comparison guides, and inviting your community to co-learn. Focus on clarity, kindness, and consistency.

5) What local PH events can I cover for content?

Track HoK Clash Philippines and future Open Series qualifiers. Build watch-parties, player interviews, and VOD breakdowns around these.

Sources

Note: Dates/schedules and publisher programs evolve. Verify current event calendars and creator policies before committing long-form activations.

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