Tekken 8 underwent significant alterations to its online matchmaking system, which have left players grappling with unexpected difficulties. The game burst onto the fighting scene earlier this year, introducing a more aggressive gameplay style and continuing Jin Kazama's redemption journey against his father, Kazuya Mishima. Despite a strong start with glowing reviews and top sales, Tekken 8 hit a rough patch following the addition of a Battle Pass, an in-game shop, and crackdowns on fan-made mods.
Bandai Namco's efforts to address these issues have not been without consequences. Negative reviews flooded Tekken 8's Steam page, dragging its overall score down to 'Mostly Negative.' Amidst ongoing updates, a recent unannounced tweak to the matchmaking system has stirred fresh controversy.
Reactions on social media suggest that the new matchmaking approach in Tekken 8 has not been well-received. Previously, players were matched based on individual character ranks, sometimes leading to mismatches due to varied character levels. However, recent observations on platforms like Reddit indicate a shift towards overall battle experience as the primary matchmaking criterion. While this change aimed to level the playing field, players like ChimerXD report being stuck facing the same opponent repeatedly for extended periods.
The Backlash Against Tekken 8's Online Matchmaking Update
Complaints about the revised matchmaking system have been mounting, with reports of dwindling player numbers on Steam since the alleged April update. Bandai Namco responded to these concerns on Twitter, acknowledging the adjustments to address past matchmaking challenges in ranked and quick matches. The company assured players of ongoing monitoring and further tweaks to the system based on player feedback.
The intentions behind Tekken 8's matchmaking overhaul were likely well-meaning, aiming to protect lower-level players from facing off against more skilled opponents. However, the system's oversight of players with multiple high-level characters has inadvertently created obstacles for seasoned fighters who prefer varied character selections during online play.