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Tekken 7 Producer Wants Your Feedback On A New Middle Eastern Character

posted on by Bamboo Dong

Pop culture isn't exactly known for its cultural sensitivity or its realistic depiction of different ethnicities, but Tekken 7 chief producer and game director Katsuhiro Harada is hoping to change that. He recently made a Facebook post seeking input from fans regarding plans for a new proposed Middle Eastern character.

From the post:

There will be “some” new characters that will be featured in the game. The ideas of these new characters are changing daily, and nothing is totally decided yet.

Today, I wanted to ask about “one of the ideas within the several new character ideas”. That is, a design concept of an Arab character. I would particularly like to hear the feedback from our TEKKEN fan community in the Middle Eastern countries (and of course, the all TEKKEN fan community).

...To be honest, we did have an idea of an Arab fighter since 2008, but since most of the development team members are Japanese and do not know much about the Middle Eastern culture or clothes, we were not able to fully design it back then. But in recent years, I have been visiting places such as Dubai and Saudi Arabia, and many of the development staff members have been learning about Middle Eastern culture and designs. From there we came up with this character's outfit design.

If the TEKKEN fan community, especially those in the Middle Eastern area, end up liking this character, I would like to feature this character in the game.

On the other hand, if this character is not received well by the Middle Eastern TEKKEN fan community members, there is a possibility that the character will be considerably changed or letting go of the idea of featuring this character in the game. The development team likes this design and think that this character is a cool Arab fighter, but if there is something in particular to mention, please do let us know. We would like it if you all do like the character as well...

Harada was careful to note that "the character lineup for TEKKEN 7 has not been decided! This character that we have shown you this time has not been decided as the character to be featured in the game yet. It will be decided depending on the reactions and feedback from the TEKKEN fan community." He also mentions that at the moment, only opinions about the character's clothing and general look are being solicited, and not the gameplay.

He has since been interacting with fans on his Twitter feed, although it doesn't appear like easy work. Although he mentions that the developers have received "many positive feedback from Arab Tekken fan community," he also says that "Whew..The open discussion is not easy way. But It is glad Because We can get many people's opinion & We can advance game development safely."

[Via Siliconera]


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