After a year on the market, Tekken 8 remains the only mainstream game of its kind, standing out in the competitive fighting game scene.

After years of back-and-forth between 2D and 3D fighting games, Tekken 8 stands as the last major franchise of its subgenre with a strong presence in the industry. While other fighting game series have coexisted, Bandai Namco’s flagship title has set itself apart by refining its signature mechanics in ways unmatched by seemingly similar games. Now at the forefront of discussions about the genre, Tekken 8 has proven that 3D fighters still have a place in today’s competitive market.

Prior to Tekken 8’s early 2024 launch, Tekken 7 was virtually the only breakout success in the 3D fighting game space throughout the 2010s, as other franchises struggled to achieve the same cultural relevance. However, Tekken 8’s impressive sales and continued popularity demonstrate that fan interest remains strong. Its success may even open the door for other 3D fighting games to rise alongside it in the future.