In surprising developments, Bandai Namco and the Tekken 8 team are facing the harsh reality of fan disappointment after the release of Season 2. What was intended to be a fresh update turned out to be a contentious shift, leaving many in the Tekken community disillusioned. Sweeping mechanical changes and unanticipated buffs sparked frustration, prompting a wave of criticism from long-time fans of the series. Thankfully, Bandai Namco is not turning a blind eye to the concerns.
Katsuhiro Harada, the mastermind behind the Tekken series, recently came forward with an announcement that is sure to ease some of the tension. To prevent a repeat of the Season 2 backlash, Bandai Namco has decided to overhaul the balancing team for Tekken 8. This shift sees the responsibilities handed back to the original team that previously managed balancing before the Season 2 rollout.
Harada took to Twitter/X to share the news, confirming that the decision aims to restore balance and align the game more closely with player expectations. Furthermore, Harada announced that Tekken 8′s director, Nakatsu, will personally oversee and approve all tuning processes before they are made public.
Nakatsu’s involvement is particularly reassuring for the fighting game community. His past work with Tekken Tag Tournament 2 and Tekken 7 earned him a positive reputation for understanding game balance intricacies. His return to a hands-on role in Tekken 8‘s development is seen as a promising step toward addressing the flaws highlighted by fans.
The first phase of updates from the reinstated balancing team is set to roll out this May, with a follow-up focused on improving defensive mechanics scheduled for June 2025. Harada expressed optimism, stating that these adjustments are significant enough to bring the game back in line with fan expectations.
As Bandai Namco continues to listen and respond to player feedback, the upcoming updates may be the key to restoring faith in Tekken 8‘s competitive scene.
Tekken 8 is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
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