Oda and Watanabe interview with IGN LATAM

IGN: At a year from the game's launch, how it is its balance?

Yasuyuki Oda (YO): It was the first KOF on almost five years so the fan response was very positive. Even though there were some netcode issues and other issues at launch -which were fixed immediately, the response was very positive and the fans are pleased with the final product.

IGN: As Developers, are you pleased with the final product?

YO: The game isn't perfect yet, we believe there's still room for improvement but so far we've been able to do anything we've thought to improve it, so we're satisfied with the current version.

IGN: Can we expect a new entry for the series or more updates for KOF XIV?

YO: We can't deny nor confirm any of those possibilities at the moment, but we're convinced that KOF XV will be a reality. Right now we aren't sure if there will be a new patch for XIV but is definitely a possibility.

IGN: Any plans for Fatal Fury or Art of Fighting? Maybe more characters added to KOF or planning a new entry for these series?


YO: Of course we're always considering doing new entries for series like those, but since it requires the company's approval, there's a lot of people that needs to be convinced first which is no easy task, but of course that is something we'd like to do (laughs)

IGN: Within the competitive scene, what has been your experience regarding balance, players' feedback or there's someone at SNK that exclusively focuses on these area?


Hayato Watanabe (HW): Of course we're always listening the opinions from fans and competitive players but that doesn't mean we implement all the suggestions we get. We want the game to be accessible, not too hard and fun. We aways listen to players and general public feedback but we are very careful to implement it. There's no one in charge of this, so I personally do the balance changes, listening to the feedback and implement those changes.

IGN: KOF XIII is one of the most successful entries on the series, any chance it comes back on an improved version?


YO: No plans at the moment for something like that

IGN: There are talks about SNK support for eSports, how do you plan to do it?

YO: We've been offering support to tournaments for a while now, not only in Japan but worldwide.For major tournaments we're offered cash prize and we'd like to continue doing it, not only for KOF but for any other game we'll release.

IGN: There will be more EX Characters for XIV?

YO: We aren't sure yet if there will be more DLC or patches, but the players' response to the new characters back on April was really good, so if we do more DLC, we'd rather do new characters than costumes since players like them more.

IGN: What are your favorite characters?

YO: I've been an Antonov fan of late because I believe he's too kawaii

HW: Luong, she has been my favorite since the start and that hasn't changed.

IGN: There will be another world championship like the one on Japan? Can we expect something alike to the Capcom Cup?


YO: Obviously we'd like another WCS but there's a lot of regional events and we need to be careful with the schedules so they don't overlap. But if we do anything similar, We'd like to do it our way, not copying anyone else.

IGN: Do you really sit down and play the title, putting yourselves on the player's skin, not a developer's?


HW: We try to put ourselves on the player's place, not the advanced ones but the casuals, and we try to make the game more interesting and fun for that kind of audience as possible.

IGN: Anything else you might want to add?

YO: We're developing many more fighting games that we can't reveal yet but we'd like for you to keep an eye on us.

HW: We intend to keep updating and improving the game as long we keep getting feedback from the players, so we'd like to keep getting their opinions on our Facebook, Twitter and Steam pages.

YO: Another thing I'd like to add is that sometimes my phone rings and I get called directly by fans, I don't know from which country or language, but please; don't do it because most of the time I can't understand you Facebook is the best way to reach me. I don't know what are they saying but I can tell they're very passionate (laughs)

Source: http://latam.ign.com/king-of-fighters-xiv/41251/interview/yasuyuki-oda-y-hayato-watanabe-hablan-sobre-el-desarrollo-y