The popular beat 'em up ARPG, King of Fighters ALLSTAR, is set to conclude its service on October 30th, 2024. This unexpected news was shared on the official Netmarble blog, where it was also announced that in-game purchases have been disabled. The game, which has thrived for over six years, has featured numerous collaborations with high-profile fighting game franchises, drawing from the rich legacy of SNK's King of Fighters series.
Netmarble's detailed developer handbook suggests that the closure is partly due to the exhaustion of fighters to adapt into the game, despite the extensive roster available from the King of Fighters series. Although this may not be the sole reason, it provides some insight into the decision to end the service.
The shutdown of King of Fighters ALLSTAR adds to the growing list of mobile live-service games that have closed this year, underscoring the challenges of sustaining these titles in the mobile gaming market. Despite the platform's popularity, it appears that maintaining profitability is becoming increasingly difficult for some developers.
For players looking for a new game to fill the void, consider exploring our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far). This curated selection highlights the top titles across various genres, ensuring there's something for everyone. Additionally, don't miss our weekly feature on the top five new mobile games to try, which is regularly updated to keep you informed about the latest and greatest in mobile gaming.