"Tekken 8 Still Plagued by Cheaters"

It's been a year since the launch of Tekken 8, yet the persistent problem of cheating within the game not only persists but is escalating. Despite ongoing player complaints and internal investigations, Bandai Namco has failed to implement effective measures against dishonest players. If the developers do not act soon, the online mode risks turning into a chaotic environment where fair play becomes the exception rather than the norm.

Shortly after Tekken 8's release, videos emerged online showcasing players with seemingly superhuman reflexes. For instance, some players are able to block attacks in a single frame, an action that is impossible without the use of third-party software or macros. Others can instantly counter any grabs, which also surpasses human capabilities. These actions are clear indicators of cheating, yet they remain unpunished.

In addition to cheating, the game continues to suffer from significant technical issues that impact its balance and gameplay. For example, Yoshimitsu's attacks occasionally become unblockable, with the defense system failing to recognize them. There are also techniques to artificially slow down matches, throwing off the opponent's rhythm. When combined with cheats, these bugs render the competitive mode nearly unplayable.

Recently, prominent members of the Tekken 8 community, such as Mike Hollow and Blackheart59, exposed an entire network of cheaters. Within their Discord group, programs are being openly shared that enable players to automatically dodge attacks, block combos, and even avoid losses. Astonishingly, these players continue to participate in ranked matches without any repercussions from Bandai Namco, despite the public exposure.

The only relatively secure way to play is on consoles with crossplay disabled. However, even this method does not offer complete protection against dishonest players. Some create "smurf accounts" — secondary profiles used to compete against less experienced opponents, further disrupting the game's balance. Others exploit control bugs to gain an unfair advantage.

Bandai Namco has announced the second season of Tekken 8, set to commence in April, but the developers have yet to outline a clear strategy to tackle cheaters. The community is concerned that the focus will shift towards new DLCs and cosmetic updates rather than addressing critical online issues. If the situation remains unchanged, there's a risk that players will lose interest in the game on a large scale, endangering its future.