While Bandai Namco has yet to come out with a specific release date for its upcoming console port, it is already expected that "Tekken 7" will come out for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One early next year. Meanwhile, a new cross-over title may already be in the pipeline.
In a recent interview with Gamespot, "Tekken 7" producer Katsuhiro Harada hinted that with the game already set for release next year, the creative team may set its sights on the vaunted "Tekken x Street Fighter" cross-over title. The studio executive has teased, "Stay tuned!" when asked about the project.
However, Harada also underscored that although Akuma is in the new game, it is not a hint that the crossover will immediately follow the "Tekken 7" release. Akuma is the only non-franchise character in the new game and has been part of rival "Street Fighter" character roster as one of its main fighters.
The producer stated that Akuma being in "Tekken 7" is actually part of the story itself, and not just as a guest character. Harada stated, "Akuma may be a special case. It's not like other games where we take the character and put him in the character lineup and that's it. He's actually part of the story and the game--not just the backstory but actually in the story mode itself."
As for expecting other non-franchise characters in future DLCs, the producer is non-committal. "It might be interesting to include some other guest characters, if there was one that really clicked and could bring in a new audience. But at the moment, it's not something we're actively thinking about," Harada added.
Meanwhile, although it is unclear whether fans can expect additional "Street Fighter" or other characters to appear as fighters, it is already said that "Tekken 7" will add more veterans in future updates. The console port itself will be patterned after the "Fated Retribution" DLC for the arcade, unlocking more characters in the roster as compared with the original March 2015 release.
