Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Expands Africa with New Lite Version

Moonton Games has launched a lighter version of its hit mobile game, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), for players in several African countries.

This new version is designed to bring the full MLBB experience to people using lower-end phones or dealing with slower internet.

The MLBB Lite edition is now available in Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa. It still offers the same fast-paced 5v5 MOBA action fans love, but with a smaller file size and lower hardware demands — perfect for more basic smartphones.

One of the most helpful features of MLBB Lite is its smart AI system that steps in when a player’s internet drops. If someone disconnects mid-match, the AI takes over temporarily so the rest of the team isn’t left hanging.

This rollout in Africa is part of Moonton's larger push to reach a global audience. While MLBB has dominated in Southeast Asia since its 2016 launch, the company’s been making big moves to break into new regions.

After a year of regulatory hurdles, the game launched in China in this January and now has its own Chinese league.

The company has also extended pro-level competitions to Latin America and the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) regions last year.

As of April 2024, Southeast Asia accounts for 47% of MLBB’s revenue and 67% of its 1.5 billion total downloads. The game is a cultural force in the region, with a thriving esports scene that continues to grow.

Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Recently, Moonton transferred its U.S. publishing rights to Skystone Games after the game was banned for a day due to connections with the Chinese company ByteDance, TikTok owner.

Initially, Moonton has also faced legal battles with Riot Games in both 2017 and 2022 over similarities to League of Legends. But those were wrapped up with a global settlement in 2024, clearing the way for Moonton to move forward.