Game developer BANDAI NAMCO, the studio behind the Tekken fighting game series, has teamed up with sportswear brand Nike for what appears to be a groundbreaking collaboration.
How was it announced?
The partnership, announced during the EVO 2024 fighting game tournament, will integrate some of Nike’s sneakers as in-game items for Tekken 8 characters. These sneakers were also available as real-world items during the EVO event.The announcement surprised EVO attendees and was presented by Tekken Project Director Katsuhiro Harada, Tekken 8 Game Director Kohei Ikeda, and the game’s Producer Michael Murray. The collaboration features two colorways of the Nike Air Formposite One sneakers: one inspired by Jin Kazama and the other by the game’s antagonist, Kazuya Mishima. Representatives from Nike and BANDAI NAMCO stated that the sneakers will be available to purchase as in-game items later this year.
More Tekken drip
In addition to in-game items, Nike and BANDAI NAMCO announced a limited-edition drop of the sneakers, purchasable during EVO exclusively through the Nike app. The app geolocated EVO visitors, allowing only those present at the tournament to buy the limited-edition sneakers. There has been no word on whether the sneakers will see a wider release in the future.
Tekken 8, released in 2024, has already made headlines through its new Tekken World Tour and its inclusion in the Esports World Cup, the world’s largest esports event. Nike is also no stranger to gaming and esports activations, having collaborated with FaZe Clan in 2023 to launch a custom version of the Lebron Nxxt Gen sneaker.