Overview
- Following the release of its Season 2 update, Tekken 8 has encountered significant player dissent, leading to its reviews on Steam being classified as ‘Overwhelmingly Negative.’
- The development team has announced that an emergency patch is set to be deployed by mid to late April to address these concerns.
After launching its much-anticipated Season 2 update, Tekken 8 is grappling with substantial backlash from players, prompting developers to prepare urgent patches in response to the community’s grievances. This fighting game, known for its rich history and vibrant character roster, is currently surrounded by controversy due to recent updates that have elicited strong reactions from fans.
Released in the summer of 2024, Tekken 8 was heralded as a revival of the series, showcasing impressive graphics, a wealth of new features, and a diverse character lineup. Positioned as the successor to Tekken 7, many believed it would elevate the franchise to new heights. However, instead of acclaim, the game has become mired in disputes following the latest Season 2 changes, which prompted a wave of review-bombing by dissatisfied players.
As a direct consequence of the Season 2 update, Tekken 8 has plummeted into the “Overwhelmingly Negative”category on Steam. Players expressed their outrage online, leading developers to respond by scaling back certain elements. A recent Twitter post from the Tekken team acknowledged the feedback, indicating a thorough review of the game’s balance, particularly concerning characters like Paul and Jack-8.
Developer Team Addressing Community Concerns
Fighters, we are aware of the current community feedback regarding #TEKKEN8 Season 2. We are carefully reviewing the balance of the game; expect more information about these changes soon. In addition, an emergency patch will be released in April to address the following issues👇 pic.twitter.com/Gvet0IOISu — TEKKEN (@TEKKEN) April 3, 2025
Many players had hoped that this new season would refine the gameplay experience; however, feedback suggests the opposite. The contentious Heat system, in particular, has come under fire for feeling excessively punishing, leading to further frustrations among certain player demographics. The upcoming emergency patch, slated for release in mid to late April, is expected to address these concerns alongside potential future updates.
In addition to gameplay critiques, players are voicing dissatisfaction with Tekken 8’s live-service framework, particularly regarding the reward and unlock mechanisms. With the aim of retaining the core player base while also preparing for the upcoming Evo 2025—a prominent fighting game tournament kicking off on August 1—there is considerable pressure on developers to deliver an improved game experience. As the year unfolds, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal time for Tekken 8 and its dedicated following.