The popular beat 'em up ARPG, King of Fighters ALLSTAR, is set to end its service on October 30th, 2024. This unexpected announcement was made on the official Netmarble blog, where it was also revealed that in-game purchases have already been closed. The news comes as a surprise, given that the game has enjoyed a robust run of over six years and has featured numerous collaborations with other high-profile fighting game franchises. Rooted in the historically significant King of Fighters series from SNK, ALLSTAR has carved out a niche for itself in the mobile gaming world.

According to the developer's detailed announcement, one of the contributing factors to 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 sheds some light on the decision-making process behind the shutdown.

The closure of King of Fighters ALLSTAR adds to the growing trend of long-running live-service mobile games being discontinued this year. This trend underscores the challenges faced by mobile game developers in maintaining the viability of their titles, despite the platform's widespread popularity. It raises questions about the sustainability of mobile gaming and the business strategies that underpin it.

If you're feeling the void left by King of Fighters ALLSTAR, consider exploring our list of the best mobile games of 2024 to find a new favorite. Our curated selection covers a wide range of genres and is regularly updated to reflect the latest and greatest in mobile gaming. Alternatively, dive into our weekly feature, highlighting the top five new mobile games you should try. No matter your gaming preferences, you're sure to find something that captures your interest and keeps you entertained.