Tekken

Tekken

Tekken is a legendary fighting game franchise developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Known for its deep combat system, diverse international cast of fighters, and the ongoing saga of the Mishima family feud, Tekken has become one of the most successful and influential fighting game series in the world.

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.
Full Name
Tekken
Format
game
Release Year
1994
Current Status
Active ongoing franchise
Country of Origin
Japan
Publisher
Bandai Namco Entertainment
Original Work
game
Genre
fighting game, martial arts, tournament, 3D combat, competitive, esports, arcade

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Tekken.
Story
High-level synopsis and narrative focus.
The King of Iron Fist Tournament chronicles the epic power struggle within the Mishima clan. Spanning generations, the conflict centers on the corrupting Devil Gene and control of the Mishima Zaibatsu. From Heihachi's ruthless ambition to Kazuya's vendetta and Jin's struggle against his cursed bloodline, the saga is a brutal cycle of betrayal and revenge that threatens to engulf the world.
World
Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.
A modern world shadowed by corporate warfare between the Mishima Zaibatsu and G Corporation. The King of Iron Fist Tournament serves as the battleground where martial artists from across the globe clash in iconic locations—from bustling urban arenas to ancient temples and volcanic craters.
Themes
Core ideas and recurring motifs.
The destructive nature of absolute power and the Devil Gene.
Family & Betrayal: The endless cycle of hatred between fathers and sons.
Redemption: The struggle to break free from destiny and cursed bloodlines.

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Tekken's global influence.
Creation Background
Created to compete with Sega's Virtua Fighter in 3D fighting games
Cultural Impact
Defined 3D fighting games, influenced martial arts in gaming
Legacy
One of the most successful fighting game franchises, esports staple
Major Milestones
1994: Original Tekken arcade release,1995: Tekken 2 introduces the Mishima saga,1998: Tekken 3 becomes massive success,2007: Tekken 6 introduces Rage system,2017: Tekken 7 launches globally on multiple platforms,2023: Tekken 8 announced with new graphics engine
Awards
Multiple fighting game awards,Esports recognition,Industry accolades

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Tekken.
Kazuya Mishima
I'll crush anyone who stands in my way.
The original protagonist turned antagonist, possessing the Devil Gene and seeking revenge against his father HeihachiView Profile
Heihachi Mishima
The iron-fisted patriarch of the Mishima family and head of Mishima ZaibatsuView Profile
Jin Kazama
I must end this bloodline.
Kazuya's son who struggles with the Devil Gene while trying to end the Mishima bloodline curseView Profile
Nina Williams
Cold-blooded Irish assassin with deadly combat skills and a complicated pastView Profile
Paul Phoenix
Hot-headed American martial artist with incredible strength and a distinctive hairstyleView Profile
King
Mexican wrestler who fights to support orphans, wearing an iconic jaguar maskView Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the central conflict in Tekken?
The story revolves around the Mishima family feud, primarily between Heihachi Mishima, his son Kazuya, and his grandson Jin Kazama, fighting for control of the Mishima Zaibatsu and the power of the Devil Gene.
What is the Devil Gene?
It is a supernatural genetic abnormality carried by the Hachijo line (Kazumi Mishima) passed to Kazuya and Jin. It grants immense power and a demonic transformation but consumes the user's humanity.
How does the gameplay differ from 2D fighters?
Tekken is a 3D fighting game that emphasizes spatial movement. Players can sidestep into the foreground or background, adding a depth dimension to dodging and positioning unlike traditional 2D planes.
Who organizes the King of Iron Fist Tournament?
The tournament is traditionally hosted by the Mishima Zaibatsu, usually under Heihachi Mishima, to attract strong fighters or lure out specific rivals like Kazuya or Ogre.
Who is the 'King' character?
There have been two Kings. King I was a brawler who fought to fund an orphanage. After his death, a successor trained by Armor King took up the jaguar mask to continue his legacy and support the children.
What is the relationship between Paul Phoenix and Kuma?
Paul Phoenix is a hot-blooded American fighter who considers Kazuya his rival, but he frequently finds himself fighting Kuma, Heihachi's pet bear, who views Paul as his own personal rival.
Why did Heihachi throw Kazuya off a cliff?
Heihachi threw the young Kazuya off a cliff to test if he possessed the strength to survive and to see if he carried the Devil Gene, ruthlessly weeding out weakness in his bloodline.
What role does G Corporation play?
G Corporation is a rival biotech firm to the Mishima Zaibatsu. They resurrected Kazuya after his defeat in Tekken 2 and research the Devil Gene, often serving as the opposing military force in the global war.
Is Tekken 8 the final game?
Tekken 8 continues the saga with the 'final' showdown between Kazuya and Jin, but given the franchise's popularity, it is unlikely to be the last entry in the series.
What makes the Mishima fighting style unique?
The Mishima Style Fighting Karate (and Kazama style) relies on powerful, high-execution techniques like the 'Electric Wind God Fist' (EWGF), focusing on punishment, wavedashing, and aggressive mix-ups.

Official & Related Links

Find official resources and trusted references to learn more.
Official Website
Twitter
@tekken
Facebook
TekkenOfficialPage
Instagram
@tekken_official
Youtube
TEKKEN
Streaming / Watch
TwitchYouTube GamingVarious esports platforms

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