Summary
Tekken 8has proven to be one of the fastest-selling entries in the Bandai Namco franchise. While it originates from Japan,Tekkenhas become known for boasting impressive international sales numbers which make up a massive portion of the game’s total revenue. A recent slew of fan requests has motivated series director Katsuhiro Harada to personally address the potential inclusion of a stage referencing a meme, but the notable success ofTekken 8in Europe specifically could make this too polarizing of a task to manage.
Considering the significant number of outspoken fans that have asked for the likes ofFF7’s Tifa Lockhart asTekken 8DLC, these types of requests are nothing new to Harada and Bandai Namco. Harada has responded to fans about the struggles of licensing from other IPs, but a recent popular stage request based on a real-life inspiration in Waffle House was particularly unexpected. Given the restaurant chain’s limited geographic origins, however, honoring these fans might not make the most sense for theT8team.
Tekken 8 Players' Requests for a Waffle House Stage Elicited a Response from Harada
Waffle House’s Reputation for Fighting and the Trademark Issue of Including it in Tekken
Their connection seems absurd, but there is a genuine precedent for the multitude ofWaffle HouseTekken 8stage requestsfans have been making. There are many videos across social media documenting brawls in Waffle House locations, often featuring employees seemingly doing the work of security instead of their usual duties. It’s somewhat disturbing to be caught in a violent situation when attempting to visit an eatery, but social media users have made Waffle House’s tendency for combat into a popular meme.
When these fans reached Harada himself, he commented on their desire by realistically addressing the circumstances of the restaurant’s trademark. It’s doubtful that the Waffle House brand would want to be further associated with violence, butTekkenplayers have also suggested that a parody of the brand could suffice instead. Whether the legal logistics of including it asone ofTekken 8’s stageshave to be circumvented or not, the game’s global business interests might not align with such an America-centric joke.
The Success of Tekken 8 in Europe Makes a Waffle House Stage a Tough Sell
An American Restaurant Chain-Inspired Stage Has Limited Appeal
In an interview conducted by Shuhei Yoshida prior toT8’s launch, Harada confirmed that the European market accounted for over half of the series' lifetime sales. It may be shocking to players who associate it with its Japanese origins, butTekkenhas consistently boasted strong sales throughout Europe for several generations and has seemingly continued its run withthe international success ofTekken 8.
With Americans allegedly only making up around a third of the series audience, there’s a chance that the inclusion of a Waffle House stage wouldn’t even resonate with the majority of the game’s players. While there’s sure to be a novelty to the collaboration if it still plays out, creating an alternative parody stage could respect the requests of fans while taking less of a risk.
The Potential to Adapt a Version of Waffle House into Tekken’s World
Working out a deal to license the brand of the official restaurant would make for theweirdestTekkenguest appearanceyet, but avoiding the Waffle House name in favor of a substitute may create a more viable stage.
Europeans might not grasp a direct reference to an American restaurant, but a rowdy, diner-style area could fit right intoTekken 8’s stages as a place that the likes of Paul might visit. The cast ofTekkenhas always been notable for its diversity, but celebrating one of the more ridiculous sides of the United States through Waffle House is a niche undertaking that will need to be done tastefully in order to prevent alienating most players.
Tekken 8
WHERE TO PLAY
Tekken 8 brings the fight to the latest generation of consoles, powered by Unreal Engine 5. Feel the power of every hit in Tekken 8, the latest entry in the legendary fighting game franchise from Bandai Namco. Utilising the power and realism of Unreal Engine 5, Tekken 8 pushes the envelope for fighting games by taking full advantage of the power of the latest generation of consoles. Ground-breaking new features, breathtakingly detailed character models and dramatic environments make this one of the most visually stunning and immersive titles in the genre yet. Tekken 8 picks up after the gruesome battle that ended in Heihachi Mishima’s defeat in Tekken 7, focusing on a new rivalry, pitting father against son as Jin Kazama stands in defiance against Kazuya Mishima in a city-shattering face-to-face showdown.
