SNK Launches New Studio Aiming to ‘Revolutionize’ Iconic Game Franchises

SNK Launches New Studio Aiming to ‘Revolutionize’ Iconic Game Franchises

Overview of SNK’s New KOF Studio

  • SNK has launched KOF Studio, which will lead the future development of its prominent franchises.
  • The studio’s website reveals upcoming titles, including the fighting game Fatal Fury: City of Wolves and a new installment in the Art of Fighting series.

Renowned Japanese game developer and publisher SNK has recently introduced KOF Studio, a dedicated team focused on advancing the cherished legacies of the company’s iconic franchises. This exciting initiative signals SNK’s commitment to nurturing its existing titles while exploring new gaming frontiers.

Established in 1978 as Shin Nihon Kikaku (New Japan Project), SNK is the creative force behind classic arcade hits such as Fatal Fury, Metal Slug, and The King of Fighters. With the formation of KOF Studio, SNK is poised to further expand these beloved franchises and breathe new life into them.

KOF Studio: A New Era for SNK

KOF Studio’s creation aligns with the 30th anniversary of The King of Fighters, a significant milestone since the franchise debuted on SNK’s Neo Geo MVS arcade system in August 1994. The latest main installment, The King of Fighters 15, was released in 2022, continuing the franchise’s legacy alongside notable titles like SNK Heroines and the 2019 reboot of Samurai Shodown.

Among the projects highlighted on the KOF Studio website is the eagerly anticipated fighting game, Fatal Fury: City of Wolves, which is scheduled for release in April 2025. Additionally, the site features a recruitment link aimed at attracting talent for an action RPG adaptation of Samurai Spirits (known as Samurai Shodown in Japan), further showcasing SNK’s ambition to diversify its offerings. Joshua Weatherford, a producer at SNK, affirmed that the studio is busy developing multiple projects, including a fresh entry in the Art of Fighting series.

Screenshot from SNK Games
Screenshot from SNK Games
Screenshot from SNK Games
Screenshot from SNK Games
Screenshot from SNK Games

SNK is currently owned by the Misk Foundation, a non-profit organization established by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which focuses on fostering education and leadership among Saudi youth. The Crown Prince, an avid gaming enthusiast, leads Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which holds investments in renowned gaming companies such as Capcom, Nexon, and Nintendo. Earlier this year, SNK’s President and CEO Kenji Matsubara shared that the Crown Prince envisions SNK regaining its prominence in the gaming world, similar to its success in the 1990s.

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