Dota 2 is one of the fastest-growing games out there, and that’s before it’s even available in one of the largest markets in the world.
That’s going to change next week. Developer and game operator Perfect World revealed today that it plans to launch an unlimited closed beta of Dota 2 in mainland China beginning Sept. 25. This will bring the free-to-play competitive title to millions of PC gamers in that country.
Perfect World obtained an exclusive license to operate Dota 2 in China. Developer Valve will continue to run the game in other markets.
“We have been working diligently to localize Dota 2 for Chinese players, and we are now ready to launch unlimited closed beta testing in China for the game,” Perfect World chief executive Robert Xiao said in a statement. “We highly look forward to embracing a new world of players to the game and bringing them abundant excitement and fun.”
Dota 2 is a mixture of role-playing and real-time strategy mechanics in a fantasy setting. The title is especially popular in the e-sports scene, where top teams compete for large prize pools.
The title only just exited beta in North America in July. That followed a lengthy beta period where the game was playable by invitation only. In August, Valve held The International 3, the third Dota 2 championship series finals. The event awarded $2.8 million in prizes to the top teams.