Tekken director has no idea how the game got so big in Pakistan

Tekken, a well-known fighting game developed in Japan, has recently released its eighth installment, continuing its legacy that began 30 years ago. The game features intense one-on-one battles where players compete in best-of-three matches. Interestingly, players from Pakistan have emerged as dominant figures in the competitive Tekken scene, which has left the game's director, Katsuhiro Harada, puzzled. He expressed his surprise during a recent tournament, stating that the rise of Pakistani players 'came out of nowhere. ' Historically, the competitive landscape was largely controlled by players from the Far East, but now, four out of the top ten players in the world rankings hail from Pakistan. This shift has sparked curiosity and admiration among fans and industry insiders alike. One standout player, Arslan 'Arslan Ash' Siddique, gained international fame after winning the prestigious EVO fighting game tournament in 2019. His victory was not just a one-time event; he went on to win the title four more times, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the Tekken community. Currently, Arslan is ranked 10th in the world, while fellow Pakistani player Atif Butt holds the impressive second position. This remarkable achievement highlights Pakistan's growing influence in the global gaming arena. Despite this success, Harada remains uncertain about the reasons behind the country's newfound passion for Tekken. He admitted, 'We never knew they were playing Tekken,' and expressed a desire to understand why players in Pakistan have become so skilled at the game. Michael Murray, the game's producer, shared his excitement about Arslan's emergence in the competitive scene, recalling how no one knew who he was before his breakthrough. Murray noted, 'It was just such an amazing story,' emphasizing the unexpected nature of Arslan's rise and the strength of the gaming community in Pakistan. At a recent tournament in London, players from various countries, including South Korea, the USA, Japan, and Europe, showcased their skills, demonstrating the global appeal of Tekken. Lim 'Ulsan' Soo-hoon from South Korea took home the first-place trophy, defeating Jae-hyun 'CherryBerryMango' Kim in the grand final. Harada, who has dedicated 30 years to the Tekken series, reflected on the growth of the competitive scene, particularly after the release of Tekken 7. He shared a personal anecdote about how his mother initially reacted with tears when he expressed his desire to pursue a career in video games. However, he noted that his family is now proud of his accomplishments, saying, 'They're like, wow, you're actually doing something with it, that's good. ' While Harada is pleased with Tekken's longevity, he also expressed a hint of sadness that it remains the only major 3D fighting game franchise. He remarked, 'It would be more interesting if there were other rivals, right? ' This sentiment reflects his hope for a more diverse competitive landscape in the fighting game genre.