Fighting games are something that brings us all together. No matter who we are, where we’re from, or what brought us here, and that’s something so beautiful.
A family is currently hurting heavily from the sudden loss of a loved one who also loved Tekken, and the game’s Directors have stepped in to help preserve his legacy.
Reddit user Melodic_Insect1356 took the the website and X/Twitter to discuss how his brother, NobleYato / Justinianthe1st, had unexpectedly passed away last week.
Since he apparently spent a lot of time grinding in Tekken 8 after release, Melodic_Insect1356 asked if there was a way to save his brother’s Super Ghost data permanently, so he could at least still fight against the AI trained by NobleYato’s play style.
This message would make its way to Tekken 8 Game Director Kohei ‘Nakatsu’ Ikeda, who gave a response on how to keep his brother’s data indefinitely.
“I would like to condolences from the bottom of my heart,” wrote Nakatsu on X. “If you download and save your brother’s ghost locally, you can still play against it anytime even if the data is lost from the server. I sincerely pray for his soul’s repose.”
Thann you so much for taking time out of your day to confirm this, sir, and thank you for your kind words.
— ForJustin (@ForJustinian) February 23, 2024
It wasn’t just Nakatsu either, as longtime Tekken Project Director Katsuhiro Harada responded with the information shortly afterwards too along with his own condolences.
“My deepest sympathy,” wrote Harada. “And please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. I have personally sent message cards and other messages to many ceremonies. If it helps someone feel any better, please tell him to contact me.”
Melodic_Insect1356 has received the information and is grateful for the responses, and it seems they’ve attempted to contact Harada directly now though it’s unknown if any further arrangements have been made.
My deepest sympathy
[ If you download and save your brother’s ghost locally, you can still play against it anytime even if the data is lost from the server. ( from my staff @nkt_dreamer )]
And please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
I have personally sent… https://t.co/pSn3aL7DEC— Katsuhiro Harada (@Harada_TEKKEN) February 23, 2024
Although it won’t ever be the same, it is nice that Justin’s love of Tekken can be preserved and give his family something to continue to connect to even with him no longer being in this world.
Seeing game creators also care about their users as people during a difficult loss is also just nice to witness and help hit home that no matter what, we are a community that is connected.
That goes as well for the Reddit users and FGC members who helped share the message out and trying to help out Melodic_Insect1356 in this heartbreaking time.
We’d also like to share our deep condolences to Justin’s family from all of EventHubs and know that the FGC cares.
If you’d like to share your sympathies and well wishes, it appears Justin’s family also set up a memorial X account for the Tekken player and someone who was also much more than that.