Heihachi, Guest Characters, and the Future of Tekken 8 - EVO 2024 Interview

Summary

In this engaging interview, the Tekken 8 team discusses the surprising return of Heihachi as a DLC character, influenced by fan and developer sentiment. They also delve into collaborations with Chipotle and Nike, highlighting the importance of mutual benefits and fan engagement. The conversation touches on game updates, the evolution of Tekken's mechanics, and the potential for future innovations in fighting games, including AI integration and community-driven features.

Takeaways

• 😀 The return of Heihachi in Tekken 8 was not initially planned but was decided later due to fan engagement and the character's popularity.
• 🎮 Tekken 8's story arc between Heihachi and his son, Kazuya, was intended to have a final conclusion, but the character's return was influenced by the game's reception and the 30th anniversary of the franchise.
• 🔍 The 30th Anniversary logo of Tekken subtly hints at Heihachi's return, with devil wings forming his silhouette when viewed from a distance.
• 💪 Tekken 8's version of Heihachi will emphasize his powerful play style, with potential new moves influenced by story hints related to monks.
• 🤝 Tekken has partnered with brands like Nike and Chipotle, aiming for collaborations that benefit all parties involved, including fans.
• 👟 The collaboration with Nike was facilitated by mutual interest in sneakers and the recognition of Kazuya as a sneakerhead, appealing to the fighting game community.
• 🌟 Tekken 8 has been well-received, with sales exceeding expectations and the game system being refined based on player feedback.
• 🔄 Post-launch updates to Tekken 8 have included adjustments to the game's heat mechanics to enhance defensive options and improve the overall gameplay experience.
• 🎉 The fighting game genre is evolving, with Tekken 8 looking into community aspects and team-based battles as potential areas of growth.
• 🤖 AI features in Tekken 8, such as ghost data and AI opponents, offer players a way to identify and practice improving their gameplay.
• 👾 The future of fighting games may include more community interaction, team-based elements, and innovative uses of AI to enhance the player's journey.

Q & A

Why was Heihachi brought back as a DLC character in Tekken 8?

Heihachi's return was not a lie; the team focused on the story arc between him and his son Kazuya, intending to show a final conclusion. However, after Tekken 8's release and positive fan engagement, it was decided to bring Heihachi back, especially since it's the 30th anniversary of the franchise.

What hints were given about the Tekken 8 version of Heihachi's playstyle?

Heihachi has always been a very powerful character in the series, and Tekken 8 will recreate that. The story hints at his connection with the monks, which might influence his moveset.

How did the partnership with Nike come about?

The partnership with Nike happened because many team members, including Nakatsu, are sneaker fans. Nike was aware of Kazuya's sneakerhead status and had fighting game fans on their side, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved.

What has been the general reception of Tekken 8 by fans and in terms of sales?

Tekken 8 has been well-received, with sales outpacing Tekken 7. The game has attracted new players and, over time, even long-time fans who initially had concerns have come to appreciate the game more.

What changes have been made to Tekken 8's core systems since its release?

Updates have been made to enhance defensive options and address feedback from players. However, no sweeping changes to the game system are planned, with the focus now on fixing bugs and making quality of life improvements.

Are off-the-wall characters like Gon, Mokujin, and Panda likely to return to Tekken?

The strategy behind character inclusion hasn't changed, but the team has focused on making each character unique rather than having 'compatible' characters with similar move sets. While it's not ruled out, having a roster of 60 characters is not viable.

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

Aligning the right conditions, such as the IP owner's willingness, timing, and fan interest, is crucial. Additionally, coordinating schedules with famous actors for voice recording can be challenging.

What is the team's perspective on the rise of Creator League tournaments?

The team appreciates these events as they bring together professionals and content creators, expanding the fighting game community and introducing new audiences to the genre.

How has launching Tekken 8 on console and PC without an initial arcade release impacted development?

It has intensified the development process as the team had to provide and polish all game systems and features from the start. However, it also allows for easier global community feedback.

What does the future hold for the fighting game genre according to the Tekken team?

The team envisions more community-oriented features, team-based battles, and enhanced AI companions that can help players identify and improve their weaknesses, potentially leading to new ways of interacting and enjoying fighting games.

What is the significance of the 30th Anniversary logo in Tekken 8?

The 30th Anniversary logo subtly incorporates Heihachi's silhouette, hinting at his return, and is comprised of devil wings in two different styles, symbolizing the iconic characters of the series.