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Bandai Namco has announced Heihachi Mishima as the next DLC character for Tekken 8 and revealed that, for the first time in the series’ history, a new chapter in the story mode will be added to the game. The extra story content will delve deeper into the ongoing feud between the Mishima and Kazama families.
The announcement was made during Evo 2024, at which Tekken 8 was a major attraction for players wanting to compete in high-level battles and viewers who want to see the best of the best duke it out in the fighting game. Heihachi is a fan-favorite character and one of the main antagonists of the Tekken series. His arrival follows Eddy Gordo, a DLC character that is already available, and Lidia Sobieska, who will be available widely from July 25. Heihachi is expected to be available in Fall 2024.
The story expansion, which builds on the ongoing ‘The Dark Awakens’ storyline, will be free, but publisher Bandai Namco has not yet confirmed when it will be available.
The other notable Tekken-related announcement is a collaboration with Nike, which includes in-game gear and the Nike Air Foamposite One Kazuya Mishima sneakers. A trailer that debuted during the Tekken finals at Evo 2024 showcased a variety of the game’s characters sporting Nike sneakers and the iconic branding integrated into the stages.
The shoes, meanwhile, got a surprise drop and were available to purchase to Evo attendees via the SNKRS app. Bandai Namco indicated it would provide further details on the Nike x Tekken collaboration in the future.
Evo 2024 in Las Vegas officially became the largest in its history, as well as the largest competitive tournament in esports history. Over 10,224 players across 63 countries signed up for at least one of Evo’s eight big tournaments and, alongside Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, Mortal Kombat 1, Guilty Gear Strive, and King of Fighters XV were a few other big draws. The throwback game for 2024 was Street Fighter III: Third Strike.
