The beloved beat 'em up ARPG, King of Fighters ALLSTAR, is set to end its service unexpectedly on October 30th, 2024. Netmarble, the game's developer, made this announcement on their official blog, revealing that in-game purchases have already been closed. This news comes as a surprise to many, given that King of Fighters ALLSTAR has been thriving for over six years and has featured numerous collaborations with high-profile fighting game franchises. The game itself is rooted in the historically significant King of Fighters franchise from SNK, which, while slightly niche, has a dedicated fanbase.

According to the developer's detailed announcement, one of the reasons for the closure is the exhaustion of fighters to adapt into the game, despite the extensive roster available from the King of Fighters series. While this may not be the sole reason, it provides some insight into the decision-making process behind the shutdown.

The closure of King of Fighters ALLSTAR adds to the growing trend of long-running mobile live-service games being discontinued in 2024. This trend underscores the challenges faced by developers and publishers in sustaining these games, despite the immense popularity of mobile gaming. It highlights the precarious nature of game preservation and the struggles of the business side to keep these titles operational.

For fans feeling the sting of this closure, there are plenty of other options to explore. Why not check out our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far) to find what's currently topping the charts? Alternatively, dive into our regularly updated feature on the top five new mobile games you need to try this week! Both lists cover a wide range of genres, ensuring there's something for everyone, no matter your gaming preferences.