Bandai Namco has confirmed that a new announcement detailing the future of Tekken 8 will be revealed ahead of the Top 8 matches at the Tekken World Tour 2025 Global Finals on February 1.
The confirmation comes directly from the official Tekken social media account, which posted, “New Info Coming Soon The #TEKKEN World Tour 2025 Global Finals are happening February 1st! Before the Top 8 there will be an announcement for the future of #TEKKEN8! Don’t miss it#TWT2025.”
The announcement arrives during a period of major transition for the franchise. At the end of 2025, long-time Tekken director and chief producer Katsuhiro Harada officially retired from Bandai Namco after three decades with the company. Harada selected the series’ 30th anniversary as the moment to step away, describing it as the most fitting time to conclude his tenure. Prior to his departure, Harada gradually transferred worldbuilding and story responsibilities to internal teams over the last five years to ensure continuity.
Despite the change in leadership, Tekken remains one of Bandai Namco’s strongest franchises. Lifetime sales across the series have surpassed 61 million copies. Tekken 8 reached three million units sold faster than its predecessor, reinforcing its position as a core revenue driver for the publisher. The franchise continues to be supported through live updates and competitive events, even as the broader fighting game market becomes increasingly crowded.
The Tekken World Tour 2025 Global Finals are taking place in Malmö, Sweden, from January 29 through February 1, 2026. The event features the top 20 players from the Global Leaderboard competing for the title of King of Iron Fist and a share of a $100,000 prize pool. Notable competitors include MulGold and Arslan Ash.
Harada is scheduled to attend the finals as a special guest, adding symbolic weight to the championship weekend. The upcoming Tekken 8 announcement, positioned just before the Top 8, is now expected to be one of the event’s defining moments.
