SNK CEO Kenji Matsubara Transitions to Advisory Role Following Notable Company Growth

Kenji Matsubara Transitions to Advisory Role at SNK, Marking New Era for the Japanese Game Developer In a significant leadership change for the Japanese gaming industry, SNK has announced that Kenji Matsubara, its Chief Executive Officer since 2021, will transition to an advisory role.

This move comes after a dynamic tenure in which Matsubara steered the iconic developer through a period of aggressive growth and organizational expansion. Matsubara has long been a prominent figure in the gaming sector, recognized for executive roles at major companies like Sega, Temco Koei, and Zynga prior to joining SNK.

SNK, originally established as Shin Nihon Kikaku in 1978, has earned acclaim for genre-defining arcade franchises including King of Fighters, Samurai Shodown, Metal Slug, and Fatal Fury.

The company’s Neo Geo, a classic hardware platform, remains a revered name among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. A statement from SNK's board highlighted Matsubara's contributions: “Under his leadership, Matsubara expanded the company’s development teams and strengthened its global sales and marketing efforts.

His vision transformed SNK into a publisher capable of competing on the world stage.” The announcement noted that the transition will allow Matsubara to continue providing expertise and strategic guidance as the company moves forward. During Matsubara’s time as CEO, SNK also saw a change in ownership.

In 2022, SNK was acquired by the Saudi Arabian MiSK Foundation, bringing fresh investment and new strategic goals for international expansion.

The board expressed its gratitude for Matsubara’s “dedication and leadership during a transformative period in the company’s history,” reaffirming SNK's commitment to its mission and future projects. The company's most recent title, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, released to a mix of critical positivity and commercial challenges.

Despite strong reviews for its nostalgic gameplay and bold character design, the title sold just 6,302 copies in Japan within two weeks of launch, as reported by Japanese publication Famitsu.

The game did not reach Sony’s Top 20 PlayStation 5 sales charts for April in North America or Europe, even after substantial promotional activities.

Industry outlets such as VGC have noted these sales figures as underwhelming, considering the game's heritage and marketing push. SNK’s Chairman of the Board will step into the interim CEO role as the company searches for Matsubara’s permanent successor.

As SNK continues to build its portfolio for platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and eShop, as well as maintain its legacy presence in the arcade and online gaming markets, Matsubara’s influence is expected to shape company strategy in his new advisory capacity. With a storied legacy and a renewed focus on innovation, SNK remains a key player in the global gaming market.

The leadership transition signifies a new chapter for the publisher as it adapts to evolving industry trends and prepares for future releases.

SNK Kenji Matsubara MiSK Foundation Sega Temco Koei Zynga Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Famitsu VGC Neo Geo King of Fighters Fatal Fury Samurai Shodown Metal Slug