For some time now, Tekken fans have been rallying behind an unusual but passionate request: a Waffle House stage in Tekken 8. While it may sound like a joke, the demand is very real—and surprisingly, so is the interest from the game’s director, Katsuhiro Harada.
On X/Twitter, Harada addressed the ongoing fan campaign, acknowledging the growing enthusiasm for a Waffle House-inspired stage. What started as a meme has evolved into a genuine community wishlist item, and Harada has been listening closely.
“I fully understand your request,” Harada stated, emphasizing that it’s not just fan noise—he’s taken it seriously. In fact, he revealed that over the past year, he’s actively reached out through multiple channels to explore the possibility of making a Waffle House collaboration happen. However, despite his efforts, there’s been no response.
“Over the past year or more, I've actually tried to make contact through several different channels,” Harada wrote. “However, and this is purely my own speculation, I suspect that the lack of response may be due to the fact that the project I'm known for revolves around 'fighting-themed video games.’”
Harada noted that a lack of response is highly unusual in his experience, and while the door isn’t completely closed, progress remains stalled. That said, he left a small opening: if a rebranded or fictionalized version—keeping the spirit intact but not the name—were acceptable, he’d be willing to revisit the idea with fresh energy.
While a real Waffle House may not be in the cards, a parody could still satisfy fans. Harada himself floated the idea of “Hustle House” in a follow-up post—a clever nod that keeps the essence alive without stepping on legal toes.
Meanwhile, Tekken 8 continues to evolve. Patch 2.01 has rolled out, and the upcoming addition of Fahkumram to the roster has reignited excitement. Earlier in April, Harada responded to community concerns about Season 2’s balance, assuring players that the tuning team is working “around the clock” to analyze feedback and refine the game.
So while the iconic yellow glow of a Waffle House sign might not light up the Tekken battlefield just yet, the conversation is far from over—and Harada’s willingness to try proves this fandom’s voice is being heard.
