Saudi-Owned SNK’s “Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves” Surprises with Inclusion in This Year’s Saudi-Owned Esports World Cup

Earlier this year, SNK, a well-known name in the fighting game scene, announced that their highly anticipated release, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, would be featured at the upcoming Esports World Cup. Interestingly, this announcement came even before the game’s official release, leading many to wonder why it’s being spotlighted at such a high-stakes event known for its massive prize pools.

For those not familiar, the Esports World Cup is a major event in the gaming world, generously backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This is part of a broader initiative by the country to invest in various sports sectors. Their Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy beyond oil, generate jobs, boost tourism, and improve international perceptions of Saudi Arabia.

In the realm of esports, which historically isn’t the most profitable venture, Saudi Arabia’s investments are mainly about enhancing their global image, a practice often referred to as “sportswashing.” Given the financial struggles currently plaguing the esports industry—where speculative investments have often not paid off—it’s no surprise that both players and organizations are eager to jump on board.

However, why would a prestigious event like the Esports World Cup, which hosts numerous well-established games, make room for a still-unreleased title like City of the Wolves, which hails from a relatively niche franchise? While the game does have a certain allure, there are undoubtedly other titles with larger audiences and established fan bases.

This decision makes more sense when considering past events: in 2020, the MiSK Foundation—a non-profit owned by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—acquired a significant portion of SNK shares via a subsidiary called the Electronic Gaming Development Company (EGDC). By early 2022, EGDC had secured almost full ownership of SNK, currently headquartered in Osaka. Therefore, it’s not just about the game; it’s about promoting a product that’s part of a larger Saudi-owned enterprise.

Perhaps you’re wondering why any of this matters; games seem distant from political issues like border tensions or the tragic assassination of journalists. But the irony is hard to miss. Even if Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves turns out to be an exceptional game—it certainly seemed promising at Evo—what if it encounters unforeseen issues upon release? With only a few months before the Esports World Cup, can it truly develop a substantial fan base? The reality is, that’s not the point. The real intention is to showcase a Saudi state-owned game on an international stage that acts as a megaphone for Saudi interests.

If you’re curious about why Saudi Arabia is investing so deeply in gaming and other entertainment sectors, the reasons are multifaceted. The nation has faced intense scrutiny on the global stage for its human rights record, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 and recent allegations of violence against migrants. The Esports World Cup, alongside ventures like Liv Golf, is part of an effort to overshadow such controversies through high-profile public relations campaigns.

As for the gaming community’s response, it’s likely that many players will participate, lured by the promise of lucrative payouts amidst a tough landscape for securing sponsorships at fighting game community (FGC) events. Meanwhile, esports teams, which often treat players as short-term assets, might sign on these eager participants just to boost their chances at the event before cutting them loose afterward. This leaves those who choose to stand by their principles and boycott the event facing an uncertain future in the industry this summer.