SNK Faces Fan Backlash Over Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Roster Decisions Amid Saudi Ownership

SNK's highly anticipated fighting game sequel, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, is poised for release this April on Nintendo Switch and other major platforms, reigniting excitement among genre fans who have waited over two decades for a true follow-up to Garou: Mark of the Wolves.

However, recent roster announcements have overshadowed the celebration, sparking controversy and disappointment within the fan community.

In 2022, SNK producer Yasuyuki Oda publicly stated that the company's acquisition by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) would not affect SNK's creative direction or game content.

At the time, Oda emphasized the team's autonomy, assuring players that SNK's legacy and standards would remain unchanged.

Nevertheless, recent events have called this promise into question. The uproar began when SNK confirmed international football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as a playable fighter in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.

The inclusion marks a stark departure from the franchise’s traditional cast, and sparked immediate criticism not only for Ronaldo’s perceived mismatch with the Fatal Fury universe, but also due to his controversial past.

Ronaldo was accused of rape in 2017—a case later dismissed in 2022—and also faced a 2017 conviction for tax evasion, which resulted in substantial fines and a suspended jail sentence.

Many observers online pointed out the striking connection: Ronaldo currently plays for Al Nassr FC, a club owned by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also chairs the Public Investment Fund that presides over SNK. Further fueling concerns, SNK announced this week that DJ Salvatore Ganacci, an artist known for his ties to the Saudi Royal Family and frequent performances at prestigious Saudi events, would join the game's roster as well.

Fan response to these choices has been largely negative, with many expressing frustration that the game’s character lineup appears influenced by the studio’s new ownership structure and related interests, rather than adhering to series tradition or fan desires. For SNK, a company renowned for classic fighting franchises and deep-rooted fan loyalty, these developments mark a significant moment.

The situation highlights complex intersections between game development, global investment trends, and evolving expectations of transparency and independence in the video game industry.

As Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves approaches its eShop debut and physical launch, both longtime fans and industry analysts will be watching closely to see how SNK addresses community concerns and upholds the series’ respected heritage on the Nintendo Switch and beyond. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is scheduled for release in April 2025, continuing a franchise legacy that began with the original Fatal Fury in 1991 and was solidified with 1999’s Garou: Mark of the Wolves.

The new title aims to captivate fighting game fans old and new, but will need to navigate the challenges of meeting fan expectations in a rapidly shifting corporate landscape.

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