Why did Kung Fu Chess shut down? Kung Fu Chess, a chess variant in which there are no turns (everyone can move at once with a time delay for each piece), began in 2002 by Shizmoo games, and the website suddenly went offline in 2008 despite a large following and many proficient players.

Is the reason for their sudden demise known and are there present day alternatives to kung fu chess?
No reason for Shizmoo's site closure in 2008 has been published online that I could find. There is a forum for former Kung Fu Chess enthusiasts here, but it's not particularly busy at the moment: http://www.zenchess.com/forum/

A few turnless/live chess variations inspired by Kung Fu Chess have sprung up, though, notably:

Ninja Chess for iPad

http://www.nordlysa.com/ninjachess/

Two players, iOS.



Real Time Chess

http://play.svenardo.com/chess/

One-player vs computer, in-browser, iPad, Mac and Windows, where the first player to capture the king wins. Moved pieces cannot be moved again until their timer completes.



JebChess

http://jebchess.com/

A four-player live version.