KOF ALLSTAR Service to Conclude

The popular mobile beat 'em up ARPG, King of Fighters ALLSTAR, will be shutting down on October 30th, 2024. Netmarble, the developer, announced the closure on their official forums, stating that in-app purchases have already been disabled.

This news comes as a surprise, considering the game's more than six-year run and numerous successful collaborations with other major fighting game franchises. The game, based on SNK's King of Fighters series, had maintained a strong player base.

According to a more detailed developer statement, a contributing factor to the closure appears to be a depletion of characters from the King of Fighters roster suitable for adaptation into the game. While likely not the sole reason, it offers some insight into the decision-making process.

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What's Next?

The closure of King of Fighters ALLSTAR sadly reflects a growing trend in the mobile gaming industry, with many long-running live-service titles being discontinued. This highlights the challenges of maintaining these games long-term and suggests that even in the thriving mobile market, financial sustainability remains a significant hurdle for developers.

If you're looking for a new mobile game to fill the void, check out our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far)! Alternatively, explore our weekly "Top Five New Mobile Games" feature for fresh titles across various genres. You're sure to find something you'll enjoy!