Tekken 8: More Than A Game...
Joseph Watkins: Da Watcha
Bandai Namco has released dragon’s fire as Tekken 8 has doubled sales beating Capcom’s Street Fighter 8 (UK) in Video Game sales. For 2024, the final game of the big 3 fighters has been unleashed and to say that it provided an experience for gamers is an understatement…..Ladies and gentlemen, Tekken 8 is an encounter unlike any other.
Dominating the scene with a 33+ roster lineup, many have dropped their combos, styled mods and favorite character references on the streams. To date, SteamDB (Image below) has reported on average, “about 20-30,000 + players online” currently playing the fighting masterpiece on a weekly basis, and now, that the game has arrived, who better to celebrate in its glory than Sonic Boom Box x VGAmateurs
Housed within Manhattan’s OS NYC, Sonic Boom Box & VGAmateurs held a celebratory event, honoring Tekken 8. Within the rows of the OS landscape lay various participants who were able to kick, jump kick, and punch their way to ultimate victory. To truly capture the soul of the event, picture a gathering of gaming enthusiasts, each immersed in an adrenaline-fueled thumb smashing ecosystem, showing both honor and death, this is Tekken 8. From veterans to newcomers, each found themselves drawn to the exhilarating gameplay, amazing graphics and competitive spirit that made this fighter the game it was destined to be....Pure Greatness.
Beyond the thrill of the competition, the night also brought forth an afterparty. Cosplayers, music, and positive vibes took over the night as some danced, drank, and fashionably showed their outfits inspired by pop culture.
Pins and stickers were on full display highlighting both the familiarity of gaming and anime culture. Reasonably priced and easy on the budget, attendees eagerly collected these mementos, not just as souvenirs of the night, but as symbols of them being part of a larger, more inclusive gaming community. Drink specials, once again provided fanfare, but also made us reminisce as to why we love the Tekken series in the first place.
Gaming in essence is more than just video games, it’s community building, and empowering. At OS NYC, this technological ecosystem is a haven for gamers and with Sonic Boom Box’s event incorporated into the mix, it was more than just a celebration; it was a celebration of the multitalented and diverse individuals that never gave up their love of gaming since their first console, hand-held device, or arcade game.
This event also served as a reminder to the incredible impact gaming can have on people's lives, uniting them across boundaries of age, gender, and background. It was a demonstration of how people can truly come together, defying misconceived notions that gaming is limited to a specific generation or demographic. Instead, it showcased how gaming serves as a universal language, encouraging connections and friendships that extend far beyond the virtual realm.
In conclusion, gaming has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry and with events like this serving as the lifeblood that sustains its growth and innovation, Tekken 8, as well as gaming locations like OSNYC, remind us that well-crafted games with compelling narratives, that captivate audiences, will always bring a crowd, no matter the generation.
Respect.
