Free-to-play Injustice 3 alternative announced and the crowd goes mild

DC fans are livid as their hopes for a new Injustice game are crushed by another free-to-play game announcement.

It doesn’t feel controversial to say the ‘evil Superman’ trope has officially run its course. It’s become a bit of a crutch at this point, where if a writer doesn’t know what to do with the Man of Steel, they make him evil, either through moral arguments or mind control.

The only storyline that’s really done this idea justice is, ironically, Injustice, which was successfully adapted into an excellent pair of fighting games.

Injustice 3 is said to be in development as NetherRealm Studios’ next game, and fans are eager to hear official word on it. Instead, DC recently announced DCKO, a free-to-play mobile game that’s anything but another Injustice…

DCKO stars a large cast of iconic DC characters, such as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and many more.

It’s got more in common with Invincible Vs than it does with Injustice, however. Each match is a 2v2 fight where characters tag in to keep their combos going. Mastering basic attacks and chaining them with supermoves are the aim of the game, but it’s unfortunately failing to capture the right attention from fans.

The DC Universe steps into the ring.

DCKO, a free-to-play mobile DC fighter: real-time PvP vs live opponents and PvE modes. Mix and match your roster, customize your kits, and climb to the top.

Pre-register now for milestone rewards at https://t.co/wBLyPQPJz9 and follow… pic.twitter.com/oIKW0d1IYU

— DCKO (@playdcko) July 20, 2026

“You could've competed with Marvel Tokon, but are humiliating us again with these mobile games”, said avant_online.

While we’re sure gamers would have preferred a continuation of the Marvel Vs Capcom series, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls at least boasts its own identity, and the starting roster is an exceptional mix of classic characters sporting original designs.

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In comparison, DCKO looks soulless, and that’s before the Injustice supporters get their hands on it.

“We already have DCKO at home”, said manji069, posting a picture of Injustice: Gods Among Us.

What has become of Injustice 3?

It’s currently feared that this new DC fighting game is some sort of bizarre replacement for Injustice 3.

Put your minds at ease though, it’s definitely not. If the rumours are true, Injustice 3 is actively in development at the moment, and there’s no way it would be cancelled or replaced with a free-to-play mobile title.

If anything, it’s just a way of keeping DC gamers somewhat entertained while they wait for their next title.

The complaints are well-warranted, though. If DC actually wanted to make a free-to-play title, it should have been a console and PC game to compete with the likes of Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls or Marvel Rivals.

With such a wealth of potential characters, it’s been disappointing to see the bulk of crossovers relegated to mobile spin-offs and MMOs.

However, with Warner Bros actively pursuing more video games, such as a Lord of the Rings game being made by Kingdom Come Deliverance developer Warhorse Studios, hopefully, more DC games will follow.

DCKO is set for launch sometime next year, and pre-registration is available now for those who want to be the first to give it a go.