Game developer BANDAI NAMCO, the studio behind the Tekken fighting game series, has partnered with sportswear brand Nike.
The deal, announced during the EVO 2024 fighting game tournament, will include some of Nike’s sneakers as in-game items for Tekken 8 characters. The sneakers were also available as real-world items during the EVO tournament.
The announcement of the partnership was a surprise for the 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 will focus on two colourways of the Nike Air Formposite One sneakers: one in the colour of Jin Kazama and the other in the darker purple worn by the game’s antagonist, Kazuya Mishima. According to Nike and BANDAI NAMCO representatives, the sneakers will be available to purchase as in-game items later this year.
Nike and BANDAI NAMCO also announced that a limited-edition drop of the sneakers was available to purchase during EVO only through the Nike app. Interestingly, the app geolocated EVO visitors, and only they were able to purchase the limited edition sneakers during the tournament. No information has been shared about whether the sneakers will have a wider release in the future.
Tekken 8 was released in 2024 and has already made headlines through its new Tekken World Tour and its inclusion in the Esports World Cup, the world’s largest esports event. On the other hand, Nike is also no stranger to gaming and esports activations. The company collaborated with FaZe Clan in 2023 to launch a custom version of the Lebron Nxxt Gen sneaker.
