SNK plans to continue adding a new character to Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves every month “for as long as possible”. The developers discussed the game’s ongoing content plans in an interview with Japanese outlet GAME Watch via the COTW_SNK_NEOGEO fan account, although they did not offer a fixed schedule or commitment beyond that intention.
The interview took place at SNK’s Osaka headquarters and included director Shunto Chikaya, main programmer Kiyonori Yamada, art director Tetsuya Yamamoto, Switch 2 director Tatsuya Hayashi, sound director Hiroshi Yamazoe, and president and CEO Masakazu Matsushita. HexaDrive’s Masashi Kuribi and Sora Kanetaka also participated.
Possible Future Fighters
Chikaya named several characters SNK is considering for future additions, including the Jin brothers, Tsugumi Sendo, Li Xiangfei and Ryuji Yamazaki. These are possibilities rather than confirmed DLC fighters.
Li Xiangfei’s name has also appeared in a September datamine, which uncovered unused dialogue from Rick Strowd mentioning her and her Chinese restaurant. The other characters named by Chikaya have not appeared in the game’s files.
SNK is also interested in introducing more original characters from the new storyline, with Gaoh given as an example. Returning fighters are selected based on fan demand, their importance to earlier Fatal Fury games and opportunities to bring them into 3D for the first time.
Characters who frequently appear in The King of Fighters may receive lower priority. Chikaya said Iori Yagami could technically be included, but adding too many KOF characters could blur the distinction between the two franchises. Weapon users are generally avoided as well.
Why SNK Chose Its Collaboration Characters
The Tokyo Revengers collaboration was partly intended to introduce Fatal Fury to younger players who might not be familiar with the series. SNK proposed Mikey and Draken to the rights holders.
Laocorn was selected for different reasons. SNK wanted to make use of Masami Obari’s involvement in the animated trailers and his history directing Fatal Fury animation. The team also wanted to give longtime fans a fight between Terry and Laocorn.
Monthly Content Creates Production Challenges
SNK schedules balance updates around major tournaments, including EVO. However, maintaining a monthly character release cadence places considerable pressure on the recording, localisation and animation teams.
Some animated shorts are reportedly completed only a day before their announcements, illustrating the tight production schedule behind the game’s ongoing updates.
