Dead or Alive, often abbreviated as DOA, is a highly acclaimed media franchise primarily known for its series of fast-paced fighting games. These games were developed by Team Ninja and published by Tecmo, and they first hit the market in 1996. The storyline of the series is centered around an international martial arts tournament known as the Dead or Alive World Combat Championship, where fighters from across the globe compete for the title of world champion and significant cash prizes. The franchise has been universally lauded for its innovative fighting system, stunning graphics, and dynamic interactive environments. Notably, the franchise is also recognized for its portrayal of female characters. As of 2019, the combined total of franchise sales and free-to-play downloads has surpassed 23.7 million units.