Fans have not been happy with Tekken 8 in recent weeks as multiple controversies have plagued the leader in 3D fighting, but Bandai Namco is aiming to right one of the wrongs with an announcement that went up Thursday morning.
The issue in question revolves around the fact that the new Genmaji Temple is not included in any of the DLC bundles players have purchased, and thus must be bought even by those who have already forked over extra money to ensure the full Tekken 8 experience. Though Katsuhiro Harada apologized for this on social media a few weeks back, he and his team are offering an olive branch to disillusioned fans.
First and foremost, developers are directly correcting the main issue by adding the winter battle stage (Genmaji Temple) to the Year 1 Pass. Those who purchased this season 1 bundle will now also have access to the Temple, and Year 1 Passholders who already purchased the DLC stage will see a form of reimbursement in the second gift.
To further ensure the flow of good will Bandai is giving anyone who logs into Tekken 8 from October 29 to November 26 will be instantly granted 500 Tekken Coins, the title’s in-game currency (a $4.99 value, equivalent to the price of Genmaji Temple).
You can click the thumbnail below to see the statement in full:
Click images for larger versions
It’s easy to point out that this DLC-related issue is actually over a mere five dollars, and while that’s technically correct, it fails to paint the full picture. In a time where it’s, in many ways, still the Wild West when it comes to establishing proper DLC practices within gaming genres, it is important for fans and developers to maintain a constant dialogue.
Something as specific as the price for a new character is affected by context (Is the game free to play? How many characters are released each season? Are they available via other forms of currency?) which is part of the reason why we might see fans review bomb Tekken 8 for a standalone stage while widely accepting $20 alternate costumes in MultiVersus.
A line has been drawn out of principle, and Bandai has entered into what’s now looking more like a successful negotiation with its audiences after crossing it.
Do you feel that this is enough to right the ship and alleviate the ill will created by the previous situation? Let us know your thoughts and reactions in the comments below.