Tekken 8 attracted a fair bit of backlash when Bandai Namco added microtransactions to the game earlier this month. Now, in a move that’s likely to spark more ire, the company has revealed that it’s adding further monetization options to the game.
A new update will be going live for Tekken 8 on April 1, and though it’s primary purpose will be to add support for DLC character Eddy Gordo, who is releasing on the same day, it will also introduce a battle pass. Called the Tekken Pass, it will have a free tier that players will be able to level up through by completing daily challenges and weekly missions in online matches in order to unlock “various items”.
Bandai Namco hasn’t provided specific details on what those items will be. Additional, a paid track will also be available, which, in addition to items that Bandai Namco describes as “even more luxurious”, will also let players unlock Tekken Coins to spend in the in-game store.
When Tekken 8 was on the receiving end of criticism from its player base for its post-launch inclusion of microtransactions, director Katsuro Harada defended the decision, citing “changing times” and “increasing costs”. Revealing that Tekken 8’s development costs were nearly thrice as high as Tekken 7, he said, “So many people want the game to run and be supported for a long time. It costs money to continually update the game.”
Tekken 8 is available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It has sold over 2 million units worldwide.
