Katsuhiro Harada, the mastermind behind the Tekken series, recently addressed the mounting development costs and the necessity of integrating microtransactions into the latest installment of the franchise. Harada highlighted the stark contrast between the current expenses of game development and those of the 1990s, asserting that the production costs have surged approximately tenfold over the years.
Harada’s remarks came in response to a social media user’s criticism regarding the inclusion of paid items like costumes in the game. He elucidated that the technological landscape has evolved significantly since the inception of the series, with modern demands for high-resolution graphics, online features, and continuous support significantly driving up expenses.
Harada emphasized the need for ongoing updates and maintenance to cater to the expectations of today’s player base, which incurs additional costs.
Furthermore, Harada addressed the shifting economic dynamics, underscoring the imperative to adapt to sustain the game’s longevity. He cautioned against complacency, pointing out that without economic activity and continued support, the game would inevitably cease operation within a short span.
Harada underscored the inevitability of integrating microtransactions as a means to ensure the game’s sustainability in the long term.
Highlighting the substantial increase in development costs compared to its predecessor, Harada disclosed that the expenses for Tekken 8 surpass those of Tekken 7 by more than double or even triple the amount.
Bandai Namco recently unveiled its post-launch plans for Tekken 8, revealing intentions to introduce an in-game shop where players can purchase cosmetics and classic character costumes using real currency. This move aligns with the industry trend of incorporating additional purchases into games post-launch to support ongoing development and provide players with additional content.
Brendan Sinclair of GamesIndustry.biz delved into the implications of these microtransactions and examined other publishers’ histories of adopting similar strategies in his latest editorial, This Week In Business.
During Bandai Namco’s Q3 earnings report, the company announced that Tekken 8 had surpassed two million copies in sales since its launch, reaffirming the game’s commercial success amidst the evolving landscape of gaming economics.
