DC has announced DCKO, a new mobile fighting game slated for release in 2027. Despite initial speculation, the title is not the long-awaited Injustice 3. DCKO is being developed by Drop Fake and will feature a 2v2 tag-fighting system with both online multiplayer and single-player modes.
Creative director Gene Campbell stated that the team prioritized a significant advancement for fighting games on mobile platforms, emphasizing the importance of live multiplayer interactions. "Live multiplayer games between players are core to the spirit of fighting games, and we are proud of the work we’ve done to bring this feature to mobile comic book fighters for the first time," Campbell said in a press release.
The roster for DCKO will include prominent DC heroes such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, alongside B- and C-list characters like Zatanna, Constantine, Blue Beetle, and Katana. At present, 19 fighters are confirmed, with more characters to be revealed monthly. The game’s website provides the full current roster.
The title, DCKO, shares a phonetic similarity with a DC Comics event from last year, DC K.O., which featured a large cast of characters in a tournament setting. However, it does not appear that DCKO is directly related to the comic book event. Developers noted that the game's name was chosen independently.
Players can now preregister for DCKO's open beta. The game will be available on iOS and Android devices in 2027.
Fans holding out hope for Injustice 3 have been waiting since the release of Injustice 2 in May 2017. NetherRealm Studios, the developer behind the Injustice series, has since released two Mortal Kombat titles. While the studio has not officially announced its next project, rumors have persisted among fans suggesting a potential return to the Injustice franchise.