It’s well-known that netplay is a sore point for the Fighting Game Community. Fighting games rely on the intense interpersonal dynamics that arise when two humans play against each other, but those dynamics fall apart when one or both players end up fighting their connection more than their opponent. One of the primary sources of frustration is netcode. Until now, most major fighting game developers (with a few notable exceptions) have been content to use delay-based netcode, which often creates a choppy, unreliable gaming experience. There are other factors as well, such as the relatively low rates of wired connections among the player base, but the industry’s use of substandard netcode has left the FGC feeling justifiably frustrated.
Happily, at least one more major developer is listening. In a recent statement, SNK announced an open community beta test for a patch that would switch the netcode in The King of Fighters 2002 Ultimate Match from a delay system to the preferred rollback system. Originally released in 2009, Ultimate Match is an “upgraded” remake of the original KoF 2002 and is one of the most popular titles in the series. Although the game is available for Windows, PlayStation 2, and Xbox 360, the rollback beta will only take place with the Steam version, meaning that players will have to own the game on PC in order to participate. Still, this is an excellent opportunity for the community to help push the genre forward. SNK is actively soliciting feedback, so make sure to give the beta a try and then tell the company your thoughts on Twitter or in its official Discord.
The beta will run for two weeks starting on October 1st. For more details, including instructions on how to participate, read the full announcement at the SNK Steam store here.
Get ready because KOF 2002 UM is releasing an open community beta test for its upcoming rollback netcode patch on Steam!
Starts Oct 1st at 10AM(PDT) and ends Oct 15th at 10AM(PDT)!
For more info:https://t.co/JZBGBviU4D pic.twitter.com/XGEJRrspW2
— SNK GLOBAL (@SNKPofficial) September 28, 2020
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