Bandai Namco’s Tekken franchise has been a force to be reckoned with in the fighting game genre for years, continuously improving and gaining popularity with each new release. Tekken 7, the latest installment, captivated both seasoned players and newcomers alike, sparking competition and curiosity around the world. Amazingly, eight years after its release, Tekken 7 still maintains its popularity, making the idea of a sequel a daunting challenge. However, fans can rejoice as Tekken 8 was announced in September 2022. We sat down with Katsuhiro Harada, the long-time creator and director of Tekken, and producer Michael Murray to discuss their approach to creating a new game and their thoughts on the current state of the fighting game genre.
Starting a new Tekken game when the previous one achieved such success poses an interesting dilemma. How does the team tackle this challenge knowing they hit the jackpot with Tekken 7? Harada states that the starting point for them is the fact that Tekken 7 was the first game in the series to be released on consoles before the arcade versions. This shift presents a tremendous challenge for the development team, but it also benefits the players by ensuring a simultaneous worldwide release.
For those unfamiliar with the significance of arcade releases, Harada explains that historically, Tekken games would first release in arcades and then on consoles. The console versions offered additional modes and content beyond the core fighting gameplay, setting Tekken apart as the first fighting game to do so. These extra modes, such as story mode, Tekken Force, or bowling, provided players with a variety of experiences even if they weren’t particularly skilled at fighting games. The team would work on perfecting the battle mechanics for the arcade release before focusing on console content. However, with Tekken 8, the entire game needs to be developed as a single package from the start, resulting in a much more intensive process in terms of resources and time.
Losing the arcade experience, particularly in Japan, poses its challenges. Arcade culture allowed players to connect with others in their community, creating a vital part of the gaming culture. The disappearance of arcades cannot be attributed to a single cause, but rather reflects the changing times and how people choose to spend their leisure time now. The team behind Tekken 8 acknowledges this shift and aims to address the needs of the current generation in terms of how they engage with games. While specific details are yet to be announced, their goal is to cater to the desires of players in innovative ways.
In the past, location tests in arcades provided valuable feedback on the game. With the decline of arcades, the online community now serves as a substitute for gathering feedback. Early tests and hands-on opportunities allow the team to assess functionality and make necessary adjustments based on player input. This iterative process ensures that the game meets the expectations and desires of the Tekken community.
Overall, the team at Bandai Namco is excited to take on the challenge of creating Tekken 8 and building upon the success of Tekken 7. They understand the importance of adapting to the changing gaming landscape and are committed to delivering an exhilarating experience for players around the world. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as Tekken 8 continues to take shape.
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Basant Kasayap is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Bollywood to regional cinema, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
