The latest State of Play didn’t put the spotlight on Sony’s own upcoming PlayStation games, instead it highlighted a variety of interesting games from other developers that will arrive on PlayStation soon. For instance,King of Fighters 15made an appearance during the State of Play. The next entry in theKing of Fightersseries, which will have 39 playable fighters at launch, used the showcase to reveal its latest character: a medium named Dolores who has a magical connection to earth and soil. What’s more,King of Fighters 15will have an open beta period in November, giving fighting game fans a chance to give it for a spin.
An open beta is a great opportunity for fans and developers alike, but it might turn out to be particularly important for the success ofKing of Fighters 15.Even though the franchise has been around for more than 25 years,King of Fightershas never had a huge fanbase in North America and Europe compared to other long-time fighting game franchises. An open betacould giveKing of Fighters 15an inroadwith fighting game fans who usually prefer other franchises. Anyone who gives the game a chance during its beta period could be a potential new fan ofKing of Fighters.
RELATED:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighter DLCs in Review
King of Fighters' Curious Popularity
King of Fightersundeniably has its fans. It’s famously successful in Latin America, and it has a huge fanbase in China as well. Even so, whenKing of Fightersgets compared to other major fighting game franchises internationally, it’s relatively niche.Street Fighteris the historic championof the arcade fighting game market, meanwhile the likes ofTekken, Super Smash Bros.,andMortal Kombatadditionally dominate console sales.King of Fightersmay have given developer SNK a path into the genre, but globally speaking it has never really managed to outperform other franchises.
That’s whyKing of Fighters 15’s open beta is so important. SNK isn’t aiming this open beta at the franchise’s traditional core regions; it’s an international test that invites anyone and everyone to giveKing of Fightersa try during weekend of November 20.Triangle Strategy’s highly successful demoand a series ofHalo Infinitebeta tests are just two examples of how early access sparks conversations about an upcoming game. With those examples in mind, SNK is wise to try wooing fighting game fans with aKing of Fighters 15beta.
RELATED:Every PlayStation Rep in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Celebrating King of Fighters 15
SNK’s fighting game series deserves to be an international star. Although it may be considered niche compared toStreet FighterorMortal Kombat,King of Fightershas left its markon the genre. For instance, it was the first to pioneer teams of three characters as a core gameplay mechanic, something that games likeJump ForceandOne-Punch Man: A Hero Nobody Knowsemulate. It’d be great to seeKing of Fightersenjoy a surge in popularity throughKing of Fighters 15,potentially spreading its dynamic team-based combat to new audiences and inspiring more games.
This entry really could beKing of Fighters' next big break, and not just because of the beta.Super Smash Bros. Ultimateadded Terry Bogardto its roster as aKing of FightersandFatal Furyrepresentative, adding one more fighting game franchise to Nintendo’s party fighting game. Because of that boost in visibility, there’s a lot more knowledge aboutKing of Fightersout there that could impactKing of Fighters 15.Anyone who loves fighting games but first learned about SNK’s work throughSmashshould keep an eye on the upcoming open beta. There’s no better opportunity to try this storied but somewhat obscure franchise.
King of Fighters 15releases July 31, 2025 for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
