Colonel Sanders' Missed Opportunity: The Challenges of Character Licensing in Tekken

In the world of video games, the complexities of character licensing can often lead to unexpected outcomes. Katsuhiro Harada, who leads the development of the popular Tekken series, recently shared his experience in trying to include a renowned figure from the fast-food industry in the game. His ambition to see Colonel Sanders featured as a guest character encountered a barrier that ultimately prevented this from happening.

Harada expressed his desire to incorporate Colonel Sanders from Kentucky Fried Chicken into the gameplay, stating that he even made a visit to the company’s headquarters in Japan to present his proposal. However, the response he received was less than favorable, as it was deemed to have a negative connotation for their brand. Ironically, Sanders later made a cameo in a game titled I cherish you, Colonel Sanders! A Delightfully Tasty Experience' Good Dating Simulator, which was born from a partnership with KFC and released as a quirky promotional tool on Steam in September 2019.

Michael Murray, a game designer, disclosed that efforts to involve Colonel Sanders were met with resistance from KFC. He mentioned that while the character eventually appeared in other games, the idea of him battling within the Tekken universe posed significant challenges that the company was unwilling to navigate. This highlights the often intricate negotiations that can occur in the gaming industry regarding character use.

While the inclusion of Colonel Sanders did not materialize, Harada hinted at the possibility of a Waffle House stage in Tekken, though he noted that achieving this would also require approval from the restaurant chain itself, indicating the collaborative effort necessary for such integrations in gaming.

For those excited about upcoming content, Tekken 8 fans can anticipate the addition of Heihachi Mishima, a classic character returning as part of the new storyline expansion titled Unforgotten Echoes. This upcoming release promises to add depth and excitement to the game.