King of Fighters ALLSTAR's Unexpected Closure
Netmarble's popular mobile beat 'em up ARPG, King of Fighters ALLSTAR, is slated to end service on October 30th, 2024. This announcement, made via the official Netmarble forums, follows the recent closure of in-game purchases.
The shutdown comes as a surprise, given 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 a developer statement, a contributing factor to the closure is the depletion of characters from the King of Fighters roster suitable for adaptation into the game. While this is likely not the sole reason, it offers some insight into the decision-making process.
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 sustaining these games long-term, even within the thriving mobile 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 to discover fresh titles across various genres. You're sure to find something to your liking.