Bandai Namco’s Michael Murray and Katsuhiro Harada recently held a panel discussing Tekken 8, and the latest trailer shown at The Game Awards 2022. Jun Kazama returns for Tekken 8 alongside several mechanics from Tekken 7.
According to Murray, Jun Kazama never died within the Tekken timeline, so her reappearance in Tekken 8 shouldn’t be too much of a shock. She’s canon within the current story of Tekken, and she was “just missing” from previous mainline titles. Jun’s concept art for Tekken 8 was designed by Mari Shimazaki, the Bayonetta series character designer.
2. Jun's early concept art shown, but Jun's design itself, was done by Mari Shimazaki! pic.twitter.com/GJxH6whNgc
— Bandai Namco Esports (@BNEesports) December 12, 2022
Murray and Harada discussed returning and new mechanics found within Tekken 8. Destruction of battle stages remains as a key element during combat, working similarly to what players experienced in Tekken 7. Rage Arts return for Tekken 8, and the developers replayed Paul Phoenix’s Rage Art from the latest trailer. Murray also confirmed that Paul Phoenix’s signature outfit from prior games will return.
4. Rage Arts remain – and if you were worried about Paul's hair don't worry, you'll be able to customize it to the old style. pic.twitter.com/wheCuwMQqK
— Bandai Namco Esports (@BNEesports) December 12, 2022
To round out the panel, Murray and Harada briefly discussed the new Heat system depicted in Tekken 8. Certain moves and conditions will initiate the Heat system in combat, and more details will be announced at a later date. Further, Murray confirms that Tekken 8’s gameplay features side-steps and side-walking just like traditional Tekken games.
6. Forget the rumors, side-steps/side-walking is in #TEKKEN8 – it's a 3D fighting game. pic.twitter.com/FlJJvDplfQ
— Bandai Namco Esports (@BNEesports) December 12, 2022
A release date for Tekken 8 was not announced, but more details about the upcoming fighting game are coming soon. Murray says Bandai Namco will “try to prepare something special” for fans in February 2023. Murray and Harada encourage fans to stay tuned for more updates.
Lastly, Tekken 8 is currently in development for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
