After a promising start marked by rave reviews and a launch free of microtransactions, Tekken 8’s honeymoon phase seems to have come to an end. Steam reviews have dipped in recent weeks, resulting in a modest ‘Mixed’ rating of 54% compared to the game’s initial 80% approval. The main culprit? Microtransactions.

Players have voiced their frustrations on the game’s store page,
criticizing Bandai Namco’s handling of unexpected monetization, which some deem as “scummy” and “greedy”. The introduction of a cash shop in February, a month after release, sparked controversy, with mixed reactions regarding its impact on game development and the delay in its announcement.

The situation worsened with the introduction of a battle pass, featuring controversial premium rewards and an awkward payment structure,
further fueling dissatisfaction among players. Complaints also highlight ongoing issues like netcode problems and cheaters, which remain unaddressed while focus shifts to monetization.

Moreover, the inclusion of paid cosmetics has prompted backlash against modders, with reports of DMCA notices targeting model and costume swaps circulating on social media. Players express disappointment with Bandai Namco’s priorities, criticizing the company for prioritizing revenue over addressing genuine game concerns.

This shift towards aggressive monetization strategies, including battle passes, draws parallels to similar criticisms leveled against other games in the genre. As a reviewer, the absence of prior disclosure regarding monetization plans would have significantly impacted the final review score, reflecting concerns about the direction of the game’s development.