Drop Fake Drops Trailer For Mobile DC Fighting Game, DCKO
Mobile game developer Drop Fake and Warner Bros. have announced the launch of a new DC-based mobile fighting game. DCKO is set for launch in 2027, is available for pre-registration now, and will launch on iOS and Android. The first trailer highlights some of the playable characters. 19 playable heroes and villains have been confirmed for launch, with new monthly releases planned as part of the live-service game.
First, we should probably address the name. DCKO has already become known as DICKO, and based on their responses, I think it was part of Drop Fake’s plan. It certainly makes it recognisable and memorable.
It’s also worth pointing out there was a Scott Snyder series of comics and books called DC K.O. Synder previously confirmed that the K.O. in that series didn’t stand for Knock Out but meant King Omega, although it did feature a massive fighting tournament. The two series aren’t strictly related.
First Official DCKO Trailer
The trailer shows off some of the game’s mechanics, as well as a lot of the fighters.
The Fighting
Controls are fairly basic – this is a mobile fighting game, after all. According to Drop Fake, basic attacks are initiated with a tap, medium attacks with a swipe, and throws with a swipe up. You’ll also find Super attacks, which can be unleashed once you’ve filled up the Super meter.
The trailer also shows off the game’s assists mechanic. It’s not a unique mechanic. Iterations of it can be found in titles like Marvel vs Capcom, Dragon Ball FighterZ, the upcoming Marvel Tokon, and, of course, Mortal Kombat 1.
Assists enhance combos or break enemy attacks, and, when executed well, they can allow for some unique combinations, including, in DCKO, chained Super attacks.
We don’t have an exact launch date, yet, but Drop Fake has given a launch window of 2027. The game will be free-to-play and live service, with regular monthly updates planned.
The Playable Characters
It doesn’t seem to offer too much in the way of original gameplay, but there’s only so much you can do with a mobile fighting game. Its popularity will come down to playable characters, and how well they are executed in game. So far, 19 characters have been highlighted.
The roster includes most of the usual suspects.
- Batman
- Robin
- Bane
- Nightwing
- Starfire
- Zatanna
- Superman
- Wonder Woman
- Green Lantern
- Cyborg
- Catwoman
- Harley Quinn
- Poison Ivy
- Raven
- Blue Beetle
- Constantine
- Katana
- Lex Luthor
- Doomsday
Batman, Robin, Superman and Wonder Woman, are all present. You’ll also find the likes of Constantine, Katana, Cyborg, and Blue Beetle.
While Lex Luthor is there, the Joker isn’t, but he’s likely hiding up Drop Fake’s sleeve, ready for a live-service release. The same is also true of a lot of characters from the Arrowverse.
Pre-Registration
Pre-registration is open now, on the playdcko.com site. Milestone rewards are available up to 1 million registrations:
- 100,000 registrations – 50,000 Luthor coins
- 250,000 registrations – 5 standard Promethean cores
- 500,000 registrations – Unique player portrait frame and 300 Omega gems
- 750,000 registrations – Consumable bundle
- 1,000,000 registrations – 5 premium Promethean cores
Reception
It’s fair to say reception to the trailer has been mixed. However, most of the negative reaction comes from fans who were hoping the next DC release would be a new Injustice instalment. Injustice 2 launched way back in 2017. There have been multiple “leaks” from “credible sources” claiming NetherReal Studios is working on a sequel, but nothing has been confirmed by the studio.
There is also the usual concern with free-to-play games surrounding the micro-transactions. Developers need to tread carefully with micro-transactions, as their implementation can instantly make or break a game. Pre-registration awards include Luthor coins, Promethean cores, Omega gems, consumables, and cosmetics, which suggests the title might be heavy on in-game transactions.
But, as it is the first live service mobile DC fighting game, it is also generating some positive interest. Viewers also appreciate the game’s comic-book style animations, although it remains to be seen how well they actually translate into gameplay.
Esports Potential?
Fighting games don’t tend to attract the same viewership interest as FPS or MOBA games. But, some have generated significant followings. Street Fighter 6 at EVO 2023 attracted 442,000 concurrent viewers, according to Esports Charts. The title is also being contested at EWC 2026, along with Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves and Tekken 8.
Touch screen limitations mean controls are basic in mobile fighting games, which means they rarely see the light of day in major tournaments.
But, game studios do often launch online tournaments and events. If DCKO’s launch proves to be a success, we may see some of these tournaments cropping up. Otherwise, it’s unlikely we’ll see the game at major events.
