The King of Fighters ALLSTAR is officially ending service

King of Fighters ALLSTAR, the popular beat 'em up ARPG, will be discontinued later this year. Netmarble's official announcement cites October 30th, 2024, as the closure date, with in-app purchases already suspended.

This closure comes as a surprise, given the game's six-year run and numerous successful collaborations with other prominent 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 closure is the depletion of characters from the KoF franchise suitable for adaptation into the game. While this is likely not the sole reason, it offers some insight into the decision-making process.

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The shutdown 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 searching for a new mobile game to fill the void, consider checking out our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far). Alternatively, explore our weekly feature showcasing the top five new mobile games worth trying. Both lists offer regularly updated selections across various genres, ensuring you'll find something to your liking.