The KOF series has a long history of entertaining character cameos from other SNK games appearing in backgrounds. The above screenshot confirms cameos will return in KOF XV, as two wrestlers from the 1993 NEOGEO wrestling game, 3 Count Bout, appear in this arena background (Terry Rogers and M. Barnes). In addition to brand new environments, classic locations such as Sound Beach from Fatal Fury 1 will also be returning in KOF XV.
 

 
SNK also mentioned that team composition in KOF XV will "differ greatly" from KOF XIV. The first confirmed team, named "Team Hero", consists of Benimaru, Meitenkun, and Shun'ei. Iconic anime director / animator Masami Obari will be returning to the SNK universe to direct a King of Fighters XV anime short, coinciding with the release of the new KOF installment.
 

  
In June 2021, producer Yasuyuki Oda made the announcement that The King of Fighters XV release window has been postponed to the first quarter of 2022. The official statement from SNK confirms the continued rising cases of COVID-19 in Japan has affected the original development schedule for KOF XV and is the main cause for the delay. KOF XV was originally announced back at EVO 2019 with the logo reveal, but it wasn't until early this year that the first gameplay footage was shown. SNK reaffirmed that the decision for the delay is to ensure the "quality" of KOF XV.
 

Page Updated: July 21st, 2021 Developer(s):  SNK Playmore Designer(s): Yasuyuki Oda              Director Eisuke Ogura               Creative Director Artwork By: Tomohiro Nakata       Main Illustrator Eisuke Ogura                Concept Art Platform(s): PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Windows 10, Steam Release Date(s): Q1 2022 Characters:  Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, Leona Heidern, K', Benimaru Nikaido, Joe Higashi, Mai Shiranui, Meitenkun, Shun'ei, Chizuru Kagura, Andy Bogard, Yuri Sakazaki, Terry Bogard, Yashiro Nanakase, King, Shermie, Chris, Ryo Sakazaki, Robert Garcia, Blue Mary, Luong, Vanessa, Ramon, King of Dinosaurs Featured Video: Related Games: KOF XIV, KOF XIII, KOF XII, KOF XI, KOF '94, KOF '94: Re-bout, KOF '95, KOF '96, KOF '97, KOF '98, KOF '98 Ultimate Match, KOF '99, KOF 2000, KOF 2001, KOF 2002, KOF 2002 Unlimited Match, KOF 2003, KOF: Maximum Impact, KOF: Maximum Impact MANIAX, KOF: Maximum Impact 2, KOF: Maximum Impact Regulation A, KOF: Neowave, KOF EX Neo Blood, KOF EX2 Howling Blood, KOF R1, KOF R2, KOF Collection: Orochi Saga, Fatal Fury, Tekken 7, SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy, Samurai Shodown (2019), Guilty Gear -STRIVE-, Street Fighter V: Champion Edition    Gameplay Engine   Story / Theme   Overall Graphics   Animation   Music / Sound Effects   Innovation   Art Direction   Customization   Options / Extras   Intro / Presentation   Replayability / Fun   "Ouch" Factor   Characters   BOTTOM LINE         First Impression: KOF XV already looks far more impressive than KOF XIV did in its early reveal trailer... to say the least! Clearly, SNK has improved and refined their 3D graphics engine over the past few years through the development (and DLC support) of KOF XIV and Samurai Shodown (2019). KOF XV looks to be the most vibrant and ambitious 2.5D SNK fighting game to date! I miss 2D sprites as much as any old school fighting game player of 90's... but once again, SNK utilizing 3D graphics will allow them to more easily reuse aspects from KOF 14 (some which were solid) and focus on adding more content and characters in KOF 15. Estimation? We might be looking at 60+ characters, if you consider the release date has been pushed to 2022. ~TFG Webmaster | @Fighters_Gen    Click here for all concept artwork! Click here for all screenshots!