Tekken, a fighting game meaning “Iron Fist” in Japanese, is a franchise developed by Namco. Launched in 1994, Tekken was exclusively a fighting game but later developed into a series of films and other merchandise and media.
The games’ plot revolves around the King of Iron Fist Tournament, in which characters battle to win the winning title, and players can also just play against themselves or the computer in arcade mode. Now, Bandai Namco has developed a Middle Eastern inspired character that has been 7 years in the making. According to Katsuhiro Harada, Tekken Game Director and Chief Producer, his mostly Japanese team had no idea how to create an Arab-inspired character as their knowledge about the culture and clothing was very limited. It wasn’t until recently, when Tekken did research in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, that a character took form.
Before officially launching the character in the new Tekken 7, Bandai Namco wants feedback from fans in the Middle East. Outfitted with a keffiyeh, sword, dagger and various throwing knives attached to his belt in the traditional Gulf style, the character definitely looks the part. Harada has said whether or not the character makes it to the game is up to the Arab community, so if you approve of the character, visit the Tekken 7 Facebook page and let them know!
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