SNK faces backlash over heavy-handed generative AI usage in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Season 2 trailer (www.techradar.com)

SNK is facing significant backlash following the release of the Season 2 trailer for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, which prominently features generative AI technology. Critics have pointed out various issues in the AI-generated scenes, including unrealistic lighting, uncanny character expressions, and inconsistent details. This has sparked outrage among fans, with some voicing their disappointment on social media, claiming that the use of generative AI undermines the artistry of traditional animation, especially when promoting a high-stakes tournament with a record prize pool. The controversy is further intensified by SNK's rapid character release schedule, with six new characters planned to roll out monthly from January to June 2026. This pace is unusual for the fighting game genre, where developers typically take several months between character releases to ensure balance and player satisfaction. As fans speculate that this hurried timeline might affect gameplay quality and balance, the overarching concern remains about the implications of relying on generative AI in creative processes, which might prioritize speed over quality and artistic integrity.