Katsuhiro Harada from Tekken has commented that despite the large financial rewards in fighting tournaments, this does not translate into significant game revenue

Katsuhiro Harada, who serves as executive producer of the Tekken series, observed that while the fighting game market has expanded to unprecedented levels, the substantial income generated by tournament streaming hasn't translated into increased game sales.

In a conversation with The Games Business during Evo France, Harada remarked that nearly every key business indicator signals a resurgence in the popularity of fighting games. Nevertheless, what captivates him is the vibrant community that has developed around these games.

Reflecting on historical perceptions of a "golden age" for fighting games, he emphasized that modern metrics such as revenue and sales demonstrate a recent surge in the genre's engagement.

Harada highlighted the thriving scene of streamed fighting tournaments, noting that while numerous companies invest in promoting these events and influencers earn significantly from their streams, such financial success isn't mirrored in the game's earnings.

He expressed curiosity about potential financial shifts, pointing out that most tournaments grant free streaming licenses, though some events are beginning to incorporate pay-per-view models. Harada is keen to see how financial dynamics in the space may evolve.

During Evo France, Tekken 8 unveiled a new character, Miary Zo. According to Harada, creating a completely new character like Zo requires extensive time, often exceeding a year.

"Without an initial concept, research starts from scratch," he stated. The team traveled to Madagascar, which is Zo's origin, to engage with locals and gather authentic cultural insights, transforming these into the character, a process that typically spans from a year to 18 months.

Tekken 8 was released in February 2024 and achieved impressive sales, exceeding three million copies in its inaugural year.