- SNK has faced backlash for its use of generative AI
- The Season 2 trailer for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves features numerous AI-generated scenes
- Season 2 will include the "highest-prized fighting game tournament"
Developer SNK is under scrutiny following the release of a trailer for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves' upcoming Season 2 characters.
The trailer, available here, prominently showcases generative AI technology. The signs are unmistakable, with issues like light source overcorrection, unnatural expressions, and glaring inaccuracies in character details.
Fans have taken to social media to voice their discontent with SNK's reliance on generative AI.
One user on Bluesky remarked, "Imagine boasting in your trailer about having the most lucrative tournament while opting not to hire animators for your trailer." Another user, who moderated the official City of the Wolves Discord server, announced their resignation amid the controversy.
The trailer indicates that Season 2 will coincide with the "highest-prized fighting game tournament," starting on January 22, 2026. The game will also be featured in this year's EVO championship.
Additionally, Season 2's characters will be released monthly, as confirmed by SNK. This schedule will see one character released each month from January to June, totaling six characters. So far, four have been revealed: Kim Jae Hoon, Nightmare Geese, Blue Mary, and Wolfgang Krauser, all of whom are fan favorites. The identities of the final two remain under wraps, although one has been hinted to possibly be Kenshiro from Fist of the North Star.
This rapid release schedule raises concerns, as it is unusually fast for the fighting game genre. Typically, titles like Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, and Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising introduce DLC characters every three to four months.
SNK's accelerated timeline may indicate a rush to complete development on City of the Wolves. There are concerns that this hurried approach could lead to balance issues or unintended character behaviors, but time will tell.