The game was rated PEGI 12 for non-realistic violence towards human characters, sexual posturing, the use of offensive language and mild swearing. Not appropriate for persons below 12 years of age.
The King of Fighters has become a major business, generating huge profits and numerous spin-off tournaments worldwide. However, this led to a lowering of the overall quality, and voices began to rise across the globe demanding the formation of one unique, worldwide King of Fighters competition.