Tekken 8 Director Slams Fan Over Anna Williams' New Look: 'Unconstructive and Pointless'

Veteran Tekken 8 character Anna Williams is making a comeback, and while her new design has been well-received by the majority of fans, it has sparked some controversy, with a few even likening her appearance to Santa Claus.

When a fan requested that Tekken game director and chief producer Katsuhiro Harada revert to Anna's previous design, Harada responded firmly. He stated, "If you prefer the old design, I am not taking those away from you." He emphasized that while 98% of fans are embracing the new look, there will always be dissenters. Harada expressed understanding for those who might not appreciate the new design but pointed out that past games featuring the old design are still available. He criticized the fan for claiming to speak for all Anna fans and for making unconstructive threats and demands, calling such behavior disrespectful to other fans who are excited about the new Anna.

In response to another comment criticizing the lack of rereleases of older Tekken games with modern netcode, Harada dismissed the comment as "pointless" and muted the user, calling them "the joke."

Despite some negative feedback, the general reaction to Anna's new design has been positive, with most criticism focusing on her outfit. Redditor AngryBreadRevolution expressed satisfaction with the new design, appreciating the edgier look and hoping for an Anna seeking revenge for her fiance's death. They noted that while the hair might not suit all outfits, the original bob hairstyle would still be available. The coat drew comparisons to Christmas attire, but other elements like the leotard, tights, boots, and gloves were praised.

Other fans had mixed feelings. Troonpins liked everything except the white feathers, which they felt gave off a Santa Claus vibe. Cheap_Ad4756 remarked that Anna looked younger and less like a mature woman, missing the dominatrix vibe from previous designs. Spiralqq was critical of the overall design, feeling it was overdone and lacked focus, particularly disliking the coat's resemblance to Santa's outfit.

Since its release, Tekken 8 has sold 3 million copies within a year, outpacing Tekken 7, which took a decade to reach 12 million sales. In IGN's Tekken 8 review, the game received a 9/10, praised for its innovative tweaks to the classic fighting system, engaging offline modes, new characters, robust training tools, and enhanced online experience. The review concluded that by respecting its legacy while pushing forward, Tekken 8 stands out as a remarkable addition to the series.