Few fighting game series have the longevity and popularity ofTekken.
Tekken 8recently headlinedEvo, North Americas biggest fighting game tournament, setting a record for attendance for the series.
2024 is also a major year forTekkenas it approaches its 30th anniversary.
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Producer Michael Murray joined the team during the localization ofTekken 4and often helps translate for Harada during interviews.
Now, thats not the case.
Everyone has been playing the game from the start on their chosen platform worldwide, Harada says.
And thats been very exciting for the fanbase to be able to experience it together at the same time.
This also leads to more interest in the franchise as a whole.
This outpaced its predecessors momentum, which tooktwo months to reach the same sales figure.
But its not like the actual development of an arcade board and the cabinet.
This is because of the increasing demand for high-fidelity graphics and modern gameplay features like online play.
Players would be done with the games earlier, perhaps because they were only playing with their immediate circles.
But with technological progress and the rise of esports, moderngaminghas completely changed.
Communities have become global and can share their experiences with each other instantaneously across the world.
What comes next?
Its not just new fighting games that are getting excitement from fans, but also retro ones as well.
Were always trying to think of the best way to make these games available to a newer audience.
Probably some of the younger kids who joined fromTekken 7or8have never even touched [Tekken]1,2, or3.
But for now, Bandai Namcos top priority isTekken 8.
However, theres been another restaurant associated with theTekkenseries.
Waffle Houses chaotic lore sounds like a match made in heaven for a fighting series likeTekken.
Is there a possibility for some sort of collaboration betweenTekkenand Waffle House in the future?
Both Murray and Harada smirk.
We only eat Chipotle, Murray says.
Weve never been to any other restaurants, just Chipotle.
It seems like theTekkenteam cant just let him go.
We wanted to have a final conclusion to the story inTekken 7with the arc between Heihachi and Kazuya.
So it made sense to have him seem to die at that point., Harada explains.
AfterTekken 8released we saw fans were really engaged with the story, and they missed him.
We missed him too.
First they should announce VF6, then we can talk.https://t.co/Vn3sxbKNYY
Why are they all 2D fighters?
From very indie games to all the way up to these major ones likeStreet Fighter, Harada asked.
Why has no one challengedTekkenwith a 3D competitor?
Its something thats quite puzzling for [me].