Tekken 8 retroactively introducing micro transactions

Microtransactions and a battle pass were added to the game Tekken 8 a month after its release. This was not disclosed or hinted at prior to the game's release or in the game’s first few weeks.

Background

Tekken 8 is a video game released on January 26, 2024, by Bandai Namco Entertainment for the Sony Playstation 5, Microsoft Xbox Series X/S and PC via Steam. Upon its release, the game contained no micro transactions. The only in-game purchases were downloadable content (DLC) packs. The absence of micro transactions was indicated by the game’s Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating lacking the necessary label.

Introduction of micro transactions

With the update to version Ver.1.02.01 on February 29, 2024, a feature called "TEKKEN SHOP" was introduced. This feature is an in-game shop where cosmetic items for characters and consumables can be acquired. Besides some free items, the majority of items cost "TEKKEN COINS," a premium currency introduced alongside the "TEKKEN SHOP". Because of this update, the game’s ESRB rating had to be updated to include the "In-Game Purchases" label.

The pricing for "TEKKEN COINS" is as follows:

• $2.99 for 300 "TEKKEN COINS"
• $4.99 for 500 "TEKKEN COINS"
• $9.99 for 1050 "TEKKEN COINS"
• $19.99 for 2120 "TEKKEN COINS"
• $29.99 for 3210 "TEKKEN COINS"
• $49.99 for 5500 "TEKKEN COINS"

Items in the "TEKKEN SHOP" are grouped in three categories:

• "Party Effects"
• "Avatar Items"
• "Character Items"

"Party Effects" are consumable fireworks the player can launch in the "Tekken Fight Lounge". The "Tekken Fight Lounge" is a game mode where players can create their own avatar and interact with other players in a closed area. Single colored fireworks can be purchased for 50 "TEKKEN COINS" for 10 usages while 10 usages of rainbow colored fireworks can be purchased for 100 "TEKKEN COINS".

"Avatar Items" are cosmetic items the player can equip to their "Tekken Fight Lounge" avatar. These packs can be purchased for 300 and 400 "TEKKEN COINS"

"Character Items" are cosmetic items the player can equip to their characters. These packs cost 400 "TEKKEN COINS" each.

There are also "Collaboration Packs" which cost 500 "TEKKEN COINS"

The conversion of real-world money into "TEKKEN COINS" is necessary to purchase items. They cannot be bought with money directly. Many items are priced at 400 "TEKKEN COINS" which is 100 "TEKKEN COINS" more than the cheapest option and 100 "TEKKEN COINS" less than the second cheapest. This leads to the player needing to purchase more "TEKKEN COINS" then they actually need for one such item pack. This is a common tactic used by many game publishers to push players to spend more money, as they will have premium currency left over after purchasing the desired item, which then makes the player more likely to purchase premium currency again.

On top of that, with the update to version Ver.1.03.01 on April 1, 2024, a feature called "TEKKEN FIGHT PASS" was introduced to the game. The "TEKKEN FIGHT PASS" is a battle pass system which gives the player a set amount of time to progress through the battle pass tiers, unlocking new rewards on the way. If the player is not able to complete the battle pass in the set amount of time, the rewards will not be able to be earned at a later point in time, unless the game developer makes those rewards available again. A battle pass is inherently an abuse of the Fear of missing out (FOMO) dark pattern. The rewards include cosmetic items for characters and player avatars, "TEKKEN COINS,” and other items. The "TEKKEN FIGHT PASS" has a free version alongside a premium version which costs 600 "TEKKEN COINS" or 2000 "TEKKEN COINS" with the benefit of skipping 20 tiers. Again, the price is just slightly higher than the amount of "TEKKEN COINS" the closest pack gives the player. The premium version of the "TEKKEN FIGHT PASS" includes more items and 600 "TEKKEN COINS" on top of the free rewards. The free version did not offer any "TEKKEN COINS" in its first run. Starting from the second pass, the free version offers 100 "TEKKEN COINS" as a level reward.

Bandai Namco Entertainment's response

Bandai Namco Entertainment has not given an official response to the criticism. However, TEKKEN Project Chief Director Katsuhiro Harada has stated on multiple occasions that this choice was made to combat the increasing game development costs.

Consumer response

While many players are fine with those additions, many other players have criticized Bandai Namco Entertainment's decision to add micro transactions to a game priced at $69.99 without extra content, or $109.99 for the "Ultimate Edition".

Another point of criticism is the addition of micro transactions a month after the game's release in order to, allegedly, gain a lot of positive reviews in the initial review phase. Supporting this allegation is the update of the game's ESRB rating and not hinting at an addition of micro transactions in any way.