Ava Brooks 
Apr 05, 2024
Tekken 8, the latest instalment in Bandai Namco’s acclaimed fighting game series, has been under scrutiny, but not for reasons that fans or the developers would have hoped for. While at first glance, the game might seem to be doing fine, a closer look reveals significant issues causing concern among its player base.
The crux of the discontent lies in the gameplay alterations which haven’t resonated well with the community. But more than the gameplay changes, the game's monetisation strategies have raised eyebrows. Previously, we reported the community's dissatisfaction with the introduction of a battle pass in a game already priced steeply at $70. However, recent developments, including the details of the battle pass and the Eddy patch, have only compounded the concerns.
A key point of contention is the in-game currency system. Players are forced to buy a higher amount of coins than needed for the battle pass, leaving them with surplus coins — a strategy seen as manipulative by many. This business model, similar to those in other fighting games like Mortal Kombat 1 and Street Fighter 6, has not been well-received.
Furthermore, the battle pass itself has been criticised for offering items that don’t seem to align with player expectations, including an unremarkable Unity engine ball as a premium item, which has since become a meme in the community.
But the issues don’t end with monetisation. Recent updates have reportedly disrupted key functionalities in the game. For instance, players have noted on forums like Reddit that the replay feature malfunctions with the newly added DLC character Eddy. There are also problems with registering wall splats in certain scenarios.
Adding to the game's woes are ongoing issues with cheating and rage quitting, which have been a problem since launch and remain unresolved. The situation has become so dire that even top players like Arslan Ash, a Tekken 7 Tekken World Tour champion, have publicly criticised the game’s current state.
Overall, Tekken 8 faces an uphill battle to regain its footing. For Bandai Namco, addressing these myriad issues and turning the tide may require significant effort and quick, decisive action.
