MAX REACTS: Harada Discusses Tekken 8's Future!

Summary

In an engaging interview, the Tekken 8 team discusses the return of Heihachi as a DLC character, revealing it wasn't a lie but a strategic move for the 30th anniversary. They hint at changes in Heihachi's playstyle and tease story elements involving monks. The discussion also covers partnerships with Chipotle and Nike, reflecting the game's community engagement. They address game balance updates based on player feedback and express optimism about Tekken 8's reception, highlighting its evolution from Tekken 7 and the importance of attracting new players to the fighting game genre.

Takeaways

• 😀 The return of Heihachi in Tekken 7 was not a lie, but a decision made later, considering the 30th anniversary of the franchise and fan engagement.
• 🎮 Tekken 8's version of Heihachi will have a powerful play style, with hints at a connection to monks that may influence his move set.
• 🤝 A partnership with Chipotle and Nike came about due to mutual interests and a desire to please fans, with the Tekken team being sneaker enthusiasts themselves.
• 🍗 The interviewer humorously suggests adding more effort to a Chipotle crossover, like adding guacamole or sour cream to character designs.
• 📈 Tekken 8 has been well-received, with sales exceeding expectations and the game gaining traction among both new and veteran players.
• 🔧 Post-launch updates to Tekken 8 have included changes to the heat mechanics to improve defensive options and overall game balance.
• 🎉 The Tekken series has evolved to ensure unique character movesets, moving away from 'compatible' characters with only skin differences.
• 🌐 Guest characters in Tekken games require alignment of interests, timing, and overcoming logistical challenges like voice actor schedules.
• 📹 The rise of Creator League team tournaments is seen as a positive development, bringing new audiences to fighting games through streamers and YouTubers.
• 💻 Launching Tekken 8 on console and PC without an initial arcade release has intensified development efforts but also improved community feedback accessibility.
• 🔮 The future of fighting games may involve more community interaction features, team-based battles, and advanced AI to help players improve their skills.

Q & A

Why was Heihachi brought back as a DLC character in Tekken 7?

Heihachi was brought back because fans and the development team missed him after his apparent death in Tekken 7. The decision was also influenced by the 30th anniversary of the franchise.

What are the hints about Heihachi's play style in Tekken 8?

Heihachi's play style in Tekken 8 will focus on being very powerful, as he has been throughout the series. There are also hints about his connection with monks that might influence his move set.

How did the partnership with Chipotle and Nike come about for Tekken?

The partnership was a result of mutual interest and a win-win situation for all parties involved. Both Nike and Chipotle approached the Tekken team, and there was a shared enthusiasm among the team members for these brands.

What is the developers' perspective on the reception of Tekken 8 by fans and its sales performance?

The developers are happy with Tekken 8's reception and sales performance. The game has been outperforming Tekken 7 and has attracted both new and long-time fans.

How has the development approach changed with Tekken 8 not having an initial arcade release?

Without an initial arcade release, the developers had to provide and polish all game features from the start. This approach is more intense but allows for easier global community feedback.

What does the Tekken team think about the future of fighting games in terms of innovation?

The team believes that innovations in fighting games will likely involve more community aspects, such as team-based battles and enhanced online interactions, as well as further development of AI features to assist players.

What are the challenges of including guest characters from other franchises in Tekken games?

Challenges include aligning interests between franchises, timing of character appearances, and logistical issues like scheduling voice recordings with actors.

How has the Tekken 8 version evolved since its early beta?

Tekken 8 has come a long way since its early beta, with significant improvements in game mechanics, balance, and overall polish, making it a more refined experience.

What is the significance of the 30th Anniversary logo in Tekken's story?

The 30th Anniversary logo is designed with devil wings and Heihachi's hair, which when viewed from a distance, forms the silhouette of his face, hinting at his return.

How does the Tekken team view the inclusion of off-the-wall characters in the series?

The team aims to ensure that each character is unique, even if they are similar in past iterations. The strategy is not to remove these characters but to develop them further and give them distinct move sets.

What role do AI features play in Tekken 8, and how do they enhance the player's experience?

AI features in Tekken 8 allow players to battle against more refined CPU characters and use 'ghost' data to identify and practice weak areas, providing a personalized training experience.