The popular mobile beat 'em up ARPG, King of Fighters ALLSTAR, is shutting down on October 30th, 2024. Netmarble's announcement, posted on their official forums, confirms that in-app purchases have already been disabled.
This closure comes as a surprise, considering the game's six-year run and numerous high-profile collaborations with other fighting game franchises. The game, based on SNK's King of Fighters series, has enjoyed considerable success.
According to the developer's statement, a contributing factor to the shutdown may be the depletion of available characters from the KoF roster for adaptation into the game. While this likely isn't the sole reason, it offers some insight into the decision-making process.
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The closure of King of Fighters ALLSTAR unfortunately reflects a growing trend in the mobile gaming industry, with many long-running live-service titles being discontinued. This highlights the inherent challenges and risks associated with maintaining these games, even within the thriving mobile gaming market.
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 roundup of the top five new mobile games you should try. Both lists are regularly updated and offer diverse genres to suit every player's preference.