ASW doesn't even publish their own console games in the US!
True, but on the other hand, it'd pretty much mean Aksys would be on board. I suppose the only thing to worry about is when it comes to Europe (based on how ASW game releases are treated there). But considering that's one of the places where KOF is strong, maybe SNKP would do a bit more to make sure that segment of the fanbase was adequately taken care of.
Stressed for emphasis, lol. "we just need you for your Code..." It'd be an interesting partnership. SNKP teaming with SOMEONE that would ensure that the netcode gets an extra once-over would be ace.
But man I'd hate Aksys-style writing in the game, lol. I was very impressed how well XIII (and even XII) still sounded like an SNK arcade game (with the odd jokes, overall good-natured-even-when-evil tone, and esoteric out there references), and I really hope that carry-over from 90s arcade personality is perfectly maintained here.
I dunno. XIII definitely had a competent, and more importantly, fun dub, but it still wasn't immune from inserting memes and other jokes here and there (Billy being a PKMN master? Hah!). Not unlike how Aksys probably would have done if their writers were plopped in the same instance.
Either way, though, I'm hoping SNKP chose a publishing partner that would do the best to make sure KOFXIV is given the best tools to succeed. I just think ASW probably would be a decent pick because ASW already has a good relationship with smaller fighting game devs like Team FK and EXAMU.
And again, it can't be denied that a SNK game getting ASW netcode (plus other nifty lobby features) would be one of the best outcomes that could happen.