Tekken 8 Executive Game Director and Chief Producer, Katsuhiro Harada has responded to mounting requests to add Waffle House to Tekken 8. In response to the X post “Can you please add this stage to Tekken 8 please 😫😫😫,” Harada said, “Ok, I will only ask once about this request. Why do some communities send me requests for ‘Waffle House’? Please be sure to explain the basis for the request, including the original story, history, and background. I look forward to an explanation from someone who knows more.“
As fans explained, Waffle House is a place heavily associated with brawls and fights, making it a good and well-known fit for the game. To the surprise of some, Harada suggested that he was open to licensing its likeness while urging people not to get their hopes up: “Thanks for the explanation guys. And I understand that many people are requesting it. However, I think you are missing one important point. The restaurant has both the trademark and the rights to the restaurant, so if the restaurant chain’s headquarters refuses to accept my proposal, it will not happen.“
Tekken 8 was released to critical acclaim on January 26, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The game introduced the HEAT system – a gauge that can be filled and used once per round allowing for heightened attacks. Characters like Raven and Jun Kazama returned after decades of absence, with Eddy Gordo the ‘Indomitable Flash’ set to make his DLC debut in early April. Harada has served as a Tekken director since Tekken 3 in 1997 and has been involved with the franchise for over 30 years since its launch in 1994. Readers can check out the Tekken 8 launch trailer below.
Bandai Namco Studios Inc. officially describes Tekken 8:
TEKKEN 8 continues the tragic saga of the Mishima bloodline and its world-shaking father-and-son grudge matches. After defeating his father, Heihachi Mishima, Kazuya continues his conquest for global domination, using the forces of G Corporation to wage war on the world. Jin is forced to face his fate head-on as he is reunited with his long-lost mother and seeks to stop his father Kazuya’s reign of terror.
Source: Katsuhiro Harada via X (formerly Twitter)
© Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.