Honor of Kings: English Naming Conventions Explained

Introduction

"Honor of Kings," known as "王者荣耀" (Wángzhě Róngyào) in Chinese, is one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games globally. Developed by Tencent Games' TiMi Studio Group, it has amassed millions of players worldwide. As the game expands internationally, understanding its English naming conventions—whether for in-game characters, skins, or esports events—becomes essential for players and fans.

This article explores the English naming format of "Honor of Kings," including hero names, skin titles, and esports terminology, providing a detailed guide for international players.

Hero Names in English: Structure and Localization

The heroes in "Honor of Kings" have distinct English names that often differ from their direct Chinese translations. The localization process considers cultural relevance, pronunciation, and market appeal.

1 Direct Translations vs. Adapted Names

Some heroes retain names close to their original Chinese meanings, while others are adapted for Western audiences.

• Direct Translations:

  • Lü Bu (吕布) remains "Lü Bu" in English, preserving historical authenticity.
  • Diaochan (貂蝉) is also kept as "Diaochan," maintaining her legendary status.

• Adapted Names:

  • Hou Yi (后羿) is localized as "Houyi," simplifying pronunciation.
  • Sun Wukong (孙悟空) is called "Monkey King," aligning with global recognition from "Journey to the West."

2 Titles and Epithets

Many heroes have titles that describe their roles or characteristics:

• "The Blade of Shadow" (兰陵王 - Lanling Wang)
• "The Frost Archer" (艾琳 - Eileen)
• "The Exorcist" (钟馗 - Zhong Kui)

These titles enhance memorability and thematic depth.

3 Westernized Names for Global Appeal

Some heroes receive entirely new names to fit international markets:

• Marco Polo (马可波罗 - Ma Ke Bo Luo) – A reference to the historical explorer.
• Athena (雅典娜 - Yadianna) – Using the Greek goddess's name for familiarity.

This strategy helps non-Chinese players connect with the characters.

Skin Naming Conventions in English

Skins in "Honor of Kings" often follow thematic naming patterns, blending creativity with cultural references.

1 Event-Based Skins

• "Starlight Member" (星光会员) – A subscription-based skin series.
• "KPL Limited" (KPL限定) – Skins tied to the King Pro League esports events.

2 Mythological and Legendary Skins

• "Dragon Tamer" (驯龙高手) – Inspired by dragon mythology.
• "Phoenix Sage" (凤求凰) – Based on Chinese folklore.

3 Collaboration Skins

Crossovers with franchises like "Saint Seiya" (圣斗士星矢) use original names (e.g., "Pegasus Seiya") to maintain brand consistency.

Esports and Tournament Naming in English

"Honor of Kings" has a thriving esports scene, with standardized English naming for leagues and events.

1 King Pro League (KPL)

The primary competitive league retains its acronym "KPL" but is officially called "Honor of Kings Professional League" in English.

2 International Championships

• "Honor of Kings World Champion Cup" (王者荣耀世界冠军杯)
• "Arena of Valor International Championship" (AoV crossover events)

3 Team Naming Styles

Esports teams often mix English and Chinese elements:

• "Chengdu AG Super Play"
• "Wolves Esports"

This hybrid approach caters to both domestic and global audiences.

Player IDs and In-Game Naming Rules

Players must follow specific rules when choosing English names:

1 Character Limits and Restrictions

• Minimum 3 characters, maximum 12.
• No offensive or copyrighted terms.

2 Popular Naming Trends

• Mythological References: "ZeusSlayer," "OdinWrath"
• Role-Based Names: "TankDestroyer," "MageQueen"
• Puns and Wordplay: "NoobMaster69," "GGez"

3 Unicode and Special Characters

While some symbols (e.g., ★, ♛) are allowed, excessive use may trigger moderation.

Localization Challenges and Cultural Adaptation

Translating "Honor of Kings" for global audiences involves balancing authenticity and accessibility.

1 Avoiding Direct Translations When Necessary

• "Bloodthirsty Warlord" (嗜血枭雄) becomes "Tyrant" for brevity.
• "Frostmourne" (霜之哀伤) is adjusted to avoid copyright issues with "Warcraft."

2 Maintaining Chinese Cultural Elements

Some terms, like "Jade Emperor" (玉皇大帝), remain unchanged to preserve lore integrity.

3 Regional Variations

• Southeast Asia: More direct translations.
• Western Markets: More adaptations for easier pronunciation.

Future Trends in English Naming

As "Honor of Kings" grows, naming conventions may evolve:

• More cross-cultural collaborations (e.g., anime, Hollywood).
• AI-generated names for personalized skins.
• Dynamic in-game aliases based on performance.

Conclusion

The English naming format of "Honor of Kings" reflects a careful balance between cultural authenticity and global appeal. From hero names to esports branding, each element is designed to resonate with international players while staying true to the game’s roots. As the game continues to expand, its naming conventions will likely adapt further, ensuring it remains a dominant force in the MOBA genre worldwide.

Whether you're a player choosing an in-game ID or a fan following esports, understanding these naming structures enhances your "Honor of Kings" experience.

What’s your favorite hero name in English? Share your thoughts in the comments!