From Arcade to Icon: The Journey of ‘Tekken’ as the World’s Leading 3D Fighting Game Series

For 30 years, Tekken has ruled the world of 3D fighting games. Many competitors have appeared, like Soul Calibur and Virtua Fighter, but few have kept up with Tekken as it transitioned from arcades to home consoles. Its staying power is remarkable.

With its dramatic storylines, diverse characters, and various martial arts styles, Tekken has won hearts globally. It’s not just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Even those who don’t play are drawn in. Take the recent Evolution Championship Series (Evo) in 2024, where Tekken attracted over 270,000 viewers, making it the second most-watched event after Street Fighter 6.

What keeps Tekken on top despite the changing gaming scene? Recently, Rolling Stone talked to Bandai Namco staff, including producer Katsuhiro Harada, about the game’s legacy and its global appeal.

Back in the early ’90s, games started embracing global themes. Street Fighter II set the stage, letting players choose characters from diverse backgrounds and fight in international locations. Tekken followed in 1994 with a cast from countries like Ireland, Russia, and Japan. Each character has a unique fighting style that represents their culture, setting Tekken apart from others that often relied on stereotypes.

Mark Julio, also known as “MarkMan,” a former competitor and commentator, reflects on the community’s diversity. He highlights how players, regardless of age or background, have come together, creating a vibrant environment for competition.

In Tekken, the martial arts expertise of characters is front and center. The latest installment, Tekken 8, shows which martial arts each character practices, linking players to their favorites and inspiring them to learn more about those styles. Harada continues to seek new martial arts to explore in the game, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity.

One interesting example is Lidia Sobieska, a karateka introduced in Tekken 7. Harada drew inspiration from the inclusion of karate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and created a character who serves as the Prime Minister of Poland. This blend of real-world events and martial arts reflects how Tekken pays homage to diverse cultures while enriching its storyline.

Since debuting in 1994, Harada has played a crucial role in Tekken. Though he initially voiced characters, he eventually became the director and is now the executive producer. His relationship with fans can be humorous and contentious, as he often engages with them on social media, addressing their feedback and requests.

Launching Tekken 7 only in Japanese arcades posed challenges, creating a rift within the community. Players outside Japan had to wait two years for a home console release, causing frustration among fans who felt disconnected from the competition. Consequently, players had to rely on online videos to learn the game, while competitive players often felt outmatched due to the delay in experience.

After the lessons learned from Tekken 7, Bandai Namco ensured Tekken 8 had a simultaneous global release. Skipping arcades allowed players everywhere to practice at the same time, ensuring that everyone had equal access and creating a more cohesive community.

The game’s accessibility and the community-building aspect have played a significant role in its success. Players now have more opportunities to engage online and practice together, enhancing the overall experience.

Cultural representation is at the heart of Tekken’s design. In Tekken 8, characters speak in their native languages during battles, showcasing the diversity of the game’s fighters. This commitment to representation adds depth to each character and resonates with players worldwide, creating a more authentic experience.

Producer Michael Murray believes the unique characters contribute to Tekken’s longevity. The game’s fighting styles and personality traits draw players in and keep them engaged. For instance, characters like Shaheen use Arabic dialogue, adding a layer of authenticity not found in some other fighting games.

The excitement of Tekken extends beyond its characters. The dynamically designed gameplay captures the thrill of fighting and keeps players coming back for more. Harada notes that the game’s accessibility encourages players to try their hand at it, resulting in a passionate fanbase.

The game’s visuals and interaction with destructible environments heighten the experience. Players find satisfaction in executing spectacular combos and watching their characters react dramatically to hits. Harada sums it up with a laugh, “And bear. Bear!” referring to the popular character Kuma, who has gained a loyal following in the competitive scene, showing that humor and charm are also part of Tekken’s appeal.

Throughout its 30-year journey, Tekken has had its challenges and triumphs. Harada attributes the series’ longevity to the community’s support. The fan base and their passion have encouraged continued development and improvement of the franchise, ensuring that Tekken remains a beloved fighting game for generations to come.