Tekken 8 Closed Network Test Announced For July

Tekken 8 publisher Bandai Namco has announced that the game will be receiving a closed network test, starting on July 21. This slice of the game will be substantial, as eligible players will be able to choose from 16 characters on the game roster and battle one another in one of five stages.

"The aim of this network test is to evaluate the network's quality as well as offering a high-end game experience with our new battle system and tactics; aerial combos; new gen graphics; and destructive and interactive stages to players," Bandai Namco said.

To participate, you can register through this link, although doing so doesn't guarantee that you'll be selected to participate in this edition of the King of Iron Fist Tournament. The first closed network test will run from July 21-24 on PlayStation 5, and a second test will be held from July 28-31 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

2023 has been a big year for fighting game fans, as Street Fighter 6 has had a massive launch, Mortal Kombat 1 is out in September, and Tekken 8 is bringing up the rear with its own unique style of brawling. Like its rivals, Tekken 8 will have rollback netcode, which has been one of the biggest advances in the fighting game genre as it allows for near-seamless multiplayer action.

For a closer look at Tekken 8, you can check out character trailers for Marshall Law, Paul Phoenix, and Nina Williams, and you can read up on how the franchise's 3D fighting mechanics are evolving in GameSpot's Tekken 8 preview.