Exclusive interview with The King of Fighters AFK developer

Discover insights you can’t miss.

For fans of The King of Fighters AFK games, prepare to find insights you can’t miss! With more than two decades of experience in the gaming industry as a developer and technology leader, Kim will reveal the behind the creation and fascinating story of The King of Fighters AFK, as well as the past work that has made Netmarble Neo famous, such as Evilbane, The King of Fighters ALLSTAR, and The King of Fighters ARENA.

Exclusive Interview with Developer The King of Fighters AFK

TIG Team: What was the main inspiration for the team to develop The King of Fighters as an AFK game?

Mr. Kim: Our development team is made up of core members from the team that developed The King of Fighters Allstar, a game that has received the love and support of many players.

But since both games are games with high intensity of action, As a result, there are quite a few players who feel tired from the controls or feel that there is a barrier to start playing, and there are problems due to the gap in experience in playing, which is caused by the control skills of each player.

So for this new project, we wanted to create a game that everyone can enjoy comfortably without the stress of control. Coincidentally, we noticed that AFK RPG games are starting to receive more and more good feedback in the market.

We’re sure that the fun of developing your favorite KOF fighters and watching them overcome obstacles is the charm of the game. This is an important starting point that led us to develop this game into an AFK RPG.

TIG Team: How did the development team bring in characters from the KOF series that players are familiar with? Give it a pixel art remake while retaining its original charm?

Mr. Kim: The pixel art style inspired by <The King of Fighters R-2> was chosen to allow long-time fans to relive the feeling of that era. However, if we were to create an entire game using pixelated graphics alone, we knew that it might not be enough to deliver the visual quality that meets the high expectations of today’s players. To balance this, we designed it with a pixelated vibe in place during in-game play, but in other parts of the game, we made full use of the team’s strengths such as high-quality illustration. And the effects of the skills emphasized the grandeur and created a strong sense of attack to match the modern era.

Overall, we set the design direction under the concept of “maintaining the retro but not abandoning the modernity and sophistication that fits the modern era”, and we think we have conveyed exactly the intended style.

TIG Team: The Character Design Process in This Game How does it compare to the original KOF which is a fighting game?

Mr. Kim: Our team’s previous works mainly used 3D characters with sleek proportions, which makes them ideal for portraying KOF’s aggressive action and unique fighting style.

But in this project, we had to use pixel-based SD characters to deliver these actions and charm, which made us think hard about how to convey the fun of combat to players with this type of character.

In order to meet the expectations of fans of the original game, we paid attention to detail, so even the slightest movement or one effect had to be done in the most exquisite manner.

We sincerely hope that when you try KOF AFK for yourself, you will be able to experience how these intentions and efforts are combined into the visuals and presentations of KOF AFK.

TIG Team: How did the development team design the character growth system so that players can feel their progression without being too complicated?

Kim: KOF AFK The main goal is to break through the levels in each stage. Players must form a battle team from their own fighters to find the strongest team formation and gradually clear the stage step by step. In this process, players will experience the fun of character development.

In the Development Dungeon, players can collect various development materials needed to clear the stage, which requires the Fighter elements of the Sun, Moon, and Star. Players must align their teams with each element. Once cleared, the resources earned can be used to develop the character and return to the stage challenge again.

Dungeon Challenge is a content where players use their developed fighters against stronger enemies. The team must be organized according to the special rules set out in each stage. This mode is considered to be more strategic than a regular dungeon and stimulates the player’s challenge.

For PvP content like Team Battle, players can bring their training team against other players’ teams. And the chance to get the strongest fighter as a reward depends on the results.

In the Flower Garden, players can loot or defend resources from other players, and the Training Ground will be a competitive area for better positions.

We have prepared a variety of content for players to enjoy according to their own playstyle, and in the future, we will continue to update to add more content. Stay tuned for future changes in KOF AFK!

TIG Team: Are there any special modes or events in the game that are designed specifically for fans of the KOF series?

Kim: In KOF AFK, in addition to the fighter, there is also a special character called “Supporter”.

These Supporters will not participate in direct combat or use skills, but will play an important role in providing a variety of buffs through cheering or supporting the team’s victory.

The support is designed in reference to the cheerleaders and gallery characters that appeared in the background of the original KOF game, so fans of the original KOF will have a “Oops! This character is like where you have seen it?” while definitely enjoying reminiscences of the old part.

In addition, the support is designed as an optional element for players to enjoy the details of the KOF world even more. We hope that players who are die-hard fans will feel it. Fun and full of nostalgia When you encounter this special element in the game.

In addition to fighting, We’ve prepared the details of the KOF worldview as an entertaining element for players. And I hope that the fans will like this element that we have prepared.

TIG Team: How the Team Considers Ex-Girlfriends Who Are Attached to the KOF Series At the same time, making it more accessible to new players?

Mr. Kim: AFK games are a charming genre where players can feel their growth and success clearly and quickly. They can also earn rewards and develop their characters even when they are not playing the game. Just leave it alone.

For KOF AFK, we wanted to offer you the simple and continuous fun of AFK games, combined with the fun of collecting and evolving Fighters and Supporters from The King of Fighters series, while adding depth to strategy and planning fun.

Players will be able to enjoy the dazzling skills and action-packed scenes of the fighters without feeling pressured by complex controls. We aim to provide every player with a special sense of accomplishment and satisfaction through a structure that makes your gameplay tied to character growth.

For new players who are just getting to know The King of Fighters, we hope to be able to deliver the fun of character development in an easy-to-understand and straightforward way, as well as the charm of collecting and building a team in your own way.

Fans of the original IP will experience the nostalgia through pixel graphics reminiscent of The King of Fighters R-2 while enjoying KOF in a new perspective that has been reinterpreted in the AFK genre.

We hope that all players will be able to create new memories while experiencing the fun of The King of Fighters-style action and the full enjoyment of character development. Without the hassle of complicated controls through KOF AFK.

TIG Team: What are the challenges of combining the “classics” of KOF with the “modernity” of the AFK RPG genre?

Mr. Kim: The biggest challenge for our development team this time around was to try out the AFK game, which is a genre that our team is not very familiar with. It also has to make the charm of the original IP, The King of Fighters, a classic fighting game, naturally blend into the AFK genre.

The King of Fighters is an IP that stands out for its aggressive action and the fun of forcing the characters with your own hands. So we had to think a lot about how to convey these things into AFK games where players don’t control their characters themselves.

This allows players to fully experience the uniqueness of the fighter, skill effects, and the thrill of battles. We went through countless trials and errors, which forced us to use a completely different approach to development.

However, in the process, we discovered new possibilities and received positive feedback from players through the launch of Early Access, which was a major impetus for us.

Lastly, we believe that the smooth development of the game so far is due to the expectations and support of our fans who have given us the love for The King of Fighters.

TIG Team: What experience do you expect players to get from playing The King of Fighters AFK that differs from the main KOF?

Kim: The King of Fighters series has a unique 3v3 team battle structure, so in the early stages of planning, we took some time to seriously consider whether or not to continue the format.

But for KOF AFK, we wanted to offer a different direction from the original. Not only do fighters from the world of KOF confront each other, but they must also join forces to fight a greater threat.

At this stage, we see the need for a structure that allows each fighter to showcase their uniqueness and potential, as well as a structure that showcases the fun of team building.

Of course, 3v3 is a pretty complete structure in itself, but we believe that the 5v5 format will allow players to experiment with a variety of strategies and team formation. It’s also great for demonstrating the interoperability and compatibility between fighters.

In addition, KOF AFK uses a turn-based combat system where both the enemy and allied sides take turns. Therefore, having 5 characters in the team does not create too much burden to play. This is one of the main reasons why we decided to use a 5v5 structure in this game.

TIG Team: How did you collaborate with SNK to shape the character design and storyline in The King of Fighters AFK?

Mr. Kim: The plot of KOF AFK is designed as a supplement that is not directly linked to the main storyline of the original KOF series.

We believe that the straightforward continuation of the main story of KOF that SNK has written may be uncomfortable for both fans of the original and SNK.

KOF AFK will tell a new story through “players” who accidentally slip into the world of KOF, with the story laid out so that both fans familiar with the world of KOF and players who are new to the series through this game can enjoy the storyline.

The direction of the story focuses on preserving our uniqueness. SNK agreed and fully supported the process of laying the story.

We shared the story we wrote with SNK so they could validate it. If there are any differences from the original or points of concern, the SNK team will advise and propose solutions. Make the work run smoothly.

TIG Team: Do you have any plans to create original characters, or do you have any plans to collaborate with other games?

Mr. Kim: Of course, just like in The King of Fighters Allstar, we’ve tried to create new fun for players through collaborations with various IPs for KOF AFK. The possibility of collaborating with different IPs is also seriously considered, so that content can be presented at the moment that the player wants and in a way that the player is satisfied with.

However, since the brands we will be collaborating with and the schedules are still in the process of being discussed within the team and have to adjust their schedules, we cannot reveal the details at this time. Leave everyone to stay tuned.

TIG Team: Do you have a special message or message for Thai fans of The King of Fighters AFK?

Mr. Kim: THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK is the third game created by our development team based on the IP of The King of Fighters.

Based on the experience of the previous two works and valuable feedback from players, it was finally called KOF AFK.

During Early Access, we listened carefully to player feedback and improved the game. This process is a very valuable moment for the development team.

As mentioned earlier, This game was developed with the intention of being a game that players can keep close and comfortable like their childhood friends who have always been by their side.

Of course, there may still be some areas for further improvement in the game, but we promise to work tirelessly to ensure that all players have the best experience. We sincerely hope to receive your attention and expectations to be a part of KOF AFK together.