'Tekken 7' Characters & Release Date: Designer Doesn't Want to 'Throw Off' Franchise, Confirms Akuma is Sole 'Street Fighter' Crossover Player

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When a trailer revealed that the popular character from "Street Fighter" Akuma will be joining "Tekken 7: Fated Retribution," fans started to hope that this will open the doors for a crossover. However, a new report suggested otherwise.

Fans have been waiting for "Tekken 7" but Bandai Namco remained mum for the anticipated title's release date. iDigitalTimes has learned that the game will get a major update before the developers released it to Western gamers.

While "Tekken 7" remains in the back seat, Bandai Namco announced their plans to release "Tekken 7: Fated Retribution," which is an updated version of the game that's been making waves in Japan arcade in the past few months.

Per the report, fans around the world were shocked with the earlier trailer of "Tekken 7: Fated Retribution" when it featured Akuma to its roster. The scene sets a wave of speculations of a potential "Tekken" and "Street Fighter" crossover. In fact, it brings "Tekken x Street Fighter" back on track.

Bandai Namco explained that "Tekken X Street Fighter" has not been cancelled, but the concept has been transformed into "Tekken 7: Fated Retribution." Despite this report, fans are still hoping that Akuma's inclusion would lead to a full-fledged crossover game.

Will "Tekken" fans be seeing more "Street Fighter" combatants in the King of Iron Fist tournament? Unfortunately, the answer is "no."

"Tekken 7" senior game designer Michael Murray confirmed this to PlayStation Lifestyle. "Right now, Akuma is the only one we have planned," he said. "Harada [Game Producer Katsuhiro Harada] and I have always been against guest characters because it kinda throws off the Tekken world and setting."

He added that Akuma fits the bill and they wanted to tie him into the story so that the crossover will not appear to be just like a cheesy gimmick. Murray added that the feedback with Akuma's addition is positive, but they have no plans for additional crossovers. Although the team is determined to add Akuma only, they are not closing their doors either for a possibility in the future.

Parent Herald previously reported that Akuma is the most powerful characters in the mythos of "Street Fighter." He is a man-turned-demon who feels the need to corrupt the series' protagonist Ryu into following his path. He has his own code of honor. The Supreme Master of Fist is a monster when compared to the like of Ryu and Ken, but a saint when up against the Mishima clan.

At the time, Bandai Namco has not announced any official release date for "Tekken 7" and "Tekken 7: Fated Retribution." However, it is guaranteed that these games will reach the consoles.