Tag Archives: SNK

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The Fallout of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves—SNK CEO Steps Down

In a surprising turn of events, Kenji Matsubara, CEO of SNK Corporation, has stepped down from his leadership role, transitioning into an advisory position. This decision comes in the wake of the unexpectedly low performance of SNK’s latest release, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, a game that was meant to mark the triumphant return of the beloved fighting franchise after 26 years.

SNK went all-in on Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, pouring substantial resources into its marketing and advertising campaign. The game was heavily promoted across various platforms, including WWE events, YouTube, and other digital spaces. It even featured Cristiano Ronaldo as a playable fighter, alongside contributions from world-renowned DJs for its soundtrack.

Despite these efforts, the game failed to generate the expected sales and player engagement. On Steam, the game peaked at 4,592 concurrent players, a disappointing figure for a title meant to revive a legendary franchise. In Japan, it sold only 10,000 copies on PlayStation within its first two weeks, ranking 10th in sales charts behind older titles like Minecraft and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

SNK’s Official Statement

On May 12, 2025, SNK Corporation released a statement announcing Matsubara’s transition to an advisory role. The company praised his contributions, highlighting his efforts in expanding SNK’s development division and strengthening its sales and marketing functions. However, the timing of his departure has led many to speculate that the underwhelming performance of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves played a significant role in this decision.

While SNK has not publicly disclosed exact sales figures or revenue losses, industry analysts suggest that the game’s poor reception has had a negative financial impact on the company. The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, which owns a major stake in SNK, had reportedly contributed heavily to the game’s development and marketing. The disappointing sales figures may have influenced the board’s decision to restructure leadership.

What’s Next for SNK?

With Matsubara stepping down, SNK’s Chairman of the Board will assume the role of interim CEO until a permanent replacement is appointed. The company remains committed to its strategic vision, but the failure of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves raises questions about SNK’s future direction in the fighting game industry.

Games, Gaming, News

The unlikely gaming debut of Cristiano Ronaldo in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most iconic figures in football history, has made a groundbreaking leap into the gaming world. Known for his dazzling skills on the pitch, Ronaldo is now set to showcase his talents in a completely different arena: the fighting game franchise Fatal Fury. This marks a historic moment, not just for Ronaldo but also for the gaming community, as he becomes one of the first professional athletes to be featured as a playable character in a mainline 2D fighting game.

The announcement of Ronaldo’s inclusion in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves has sent shockwaves through both the sports and gaming worlds. The game, set to release on April 24, 2025, is the first installment in the Fatal Fury series in over 26 years. Ronaldo’s character is designed to blend his footballing prowess with martial arts, creating a unique and dynamic fighting style. Sporting a red-and-green outfit reminiscent of Portugal’s national team jersey, his in-game avatar also features his iconic number 7 and captain’s armband.

Ronaldo’s special moves are a spectacle to behold. They incorporate signature football techniques such as slide tackles, overhead kicks, and even a glowing blue football used as a weapon. His finishing move, a powerful set-piece strike, is both a nod to his football career and a devastating attack in the game. To top it off, his trademark “Siuuu!” celebration has been integrated as a victory pose, adding a touch of authenticity and flair.

The Return of Fatal Fury

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is a revival of the beloved franchise that last saw a release in 1999 with Garou: Mark of the Wolves. Developed by SNK, the game promises to bring back classic characters while introducing new ones, including Ronaldo. The game features a unique art style and an innovative REV System, designed to enhance the excitement and strategy of battles.

Ronaldo’s inclusion is part of a broader trend in the fighting game genre, where developers are increasingly incorporating unexpected crossovers to attract diverse audiences. His character not only adds star power but also bridges the gap between sports and gaming, making Fatal Fury a must-play for fans of both.

Ronaldo’s debut in Fatal Fury symbolizes a new era where the worlds of sports and gaming intersect in unprecedented ways. It highlights the growing influence of gaming as a cultural phenomenon and its ability to bring together fans from different domains. For Ronaldo, this venture adds another feather to his already illustrious cap, showcasing his versatility and global appeal.

As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build. Whether you’re a fan of Ronaldo, a gaming enthusiast, or both, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves promises to be an exhilarating experience that celebrates the best of both worlds.