Game Director Explains Guest Characters For Tekken 8 Is On Ice As Team Focuses On Launch For Base Roster

For 2023, fighting games is in a good place as both Street Fighter 6 already shipped alongside Mortal Kombat 1 ready to hit store shelves next month. Additionally, Tekken 8 is shaping up well with fans anticipating a potential launch this year as well. Last month, Koei Tecmo hosted a closed beta for the game for players to sample what the next installment has to offer.

As for other planned endeavors, Tekken 8 was actually at San Diego Comic-Con. Originally, it was revealed that the game would be on the show floor with a scheduled panel for the game. What came at a later surprise was the hosts for said panel – Mike Tyson & Xavier Woods. With the iconic pair of professional fighters, it does give an impression on what the team could be adding in post-launch for the game.

On Twitter, one fan asked game director Katsuhiro Harada what the floor plans appear to feature for Tekken 8’s guest characters; namely how many is planned. In response, Harada told there is nothing on the table as the studio focuses on the main roster in preparation for launch.

Of course, this is for the time being. Alike entries before, Tekken has featured additional characters to fight against the base roster. But for Tekken 8, the team is committed to shipping a properly tuned experience and that sacrifices plans to anticipate add-on fighters. Sometime after the release of Tekken 8 – whenever that is – will be when the developer reveals its post-launch plans.

Elsewhere recently at San Diego Comic-Con, NetherRealm Studios announced its post-launch roster for Mortal Kombat 1. As part of the Kombat Pack, Homelander Peacemaker, and Omni-Man are all confirmed. Returning series character Quan Chi & Ermac is also included. You can read the full report by heading here.

What is your opinion on Harada’s comment for Tekken 8’s post-launch plans?

Tekken 8 is listed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.