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Entertainment • Video Game

Tekken

Tekken is a Japanese fighting game franchise created by Namco and later developed and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tekken is a Japanese fighting game franchise created by Namco and later developed and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It began in 1994 with the arcade release of the first Tekken game and is known for its 3D hand-to-hand combat, large character roster, and story centered on the King of Iron Fist Tournament and the Mishima family conflict.

History

Tekken began in 1994 with the release of the first arcade game developed and published by Namco. It later expanded into a long-running franchise with multiple sequels and spin-off titles.

Gameplay

The series is known for 3D fighting gameplay built around hand-to-hand combat, including blocks, throws, escapes, and ground fighting. The original game was an early example of polygon-based fighting games.

Story and characters

Main entries focus on the King of Iron Fist Tournament, hosted by the Mishima Zaibatsu, and the rivalry within the Mishima family. The franchise also features a large and diverse cast of characters from different backgrounds.

Beyond the games, Tekken has been adapted into films and other media. The franchise has also been supported by fan and reference resources devoted to its characters and lore.

Key facts

  • The franchise began with the arcade game Tekken in 1994.
  • Tekken is a 3D fighting game series focused on hand-to-hand combat.
  • The main storyline revolves around the King of Iron Fist Tournament and the Mishima family conflict.
  • The series has expanded into sequels, spin-offs, and film and print adaptations.
  • Tekken is associated with Bandai Namco Entertainment, formerly Namco.
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Canadian context

Tekken has been widely released on home consoles and later on modern systems, making it part of the broader fighting-game culture familiar to Canadian players.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tekken?
Tekken is a Japanese fighting game franchise that began in 1994 with an arcade game developed by Namco.
Who created Tekken?
The series was created by Namco, later part of Bandai Namco Entertainment.
What type of game is Tekken?
It is a 3D fighting game series centred on hand-to-hand combat.
What is the story of Tekken about?
The main plot follows the King of Iron Fist Tournament and the struggle for control of the Mishima Zaibatsu, with the Mishima family at the centre.
When was the first Tekken released?
The first Tekken was released in 1994 in arcades and later ported to PlayStation in 1995.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tekken
    Supports: Franchise overview, genre, origin, story premise, adaptations
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tekken_(video_game)
    Supports: First game's release year, arcade origin, PlayStation port, 3D fighting context
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Characters_of_the_Tekken_series
    Supports: Character diversity and roster information
  4. Tekkenpedia English — https://eng.tekkenpedia.com/
    Supports: Fan-reference context for series lore and characters
  5. Russian Wikipedia — https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tekken_(%D1%84%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%88%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%B0)
    Supports: Franchise format, origin year, adaptations, broad series scope