Tekken 8 Fahkumram Character Developer Overview Bandai Namco Summer Showcase 2025

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The Muay Thai master, Fahkumram, is coming to Tekken 8. Check out the breakdown with developer Michael Murray, as he talks about character inspiration, influences, and the process behind bringing the fan favorite to the latest entry of Tekken.

Transcript

00:00Hello, this is Michael, producer of Tekken 8.

00:03Tekken 8 is the latest numbered entry in the legendary 3D fighting game series,

00:07delivering the most exhilarating and intense battles in the franchise's history.

00:12Today, I'd like to introduce the second additional character of Season 2, Bakum Ram.

00:23Bakum Ram is the national hero of Thailand and an undefeated Muay Thai champion who reigns supreme.

00:29He made his first appearance in Tekken 7, instantly standing out with his towering physique,

00:35over 2 meters tall, and the striking markings on his body.

00:39These patterns are known as Lichtenberg figures, or lightning scars,

00:42said to have been etched into his skin when he miraculously survived a lightning strike as a child.

00:48Also known as the title Thunderstruck, he is known for his overwhelming power and high fight IQ in the ring.

00:59He is also known as Sakyant.

01:03On his back, Bakum Ram bears a Sakyant, a traditional Thai tattoo with spiritual meaning.

01:09This intricate design was personally drawn by a revered monk residing in Thailand.

01:14Each of the two sections, upper and lower, carries its own distinct significance.

01:19He is also known as Sakyant.

01:19Traditionally, Sakyant normally are kind of a ward that protects the fighter, but it also has various

01:27means, which could be strength, courage, health, or even success.

01:34So, particularly, the tiger itself is usually used to symbol courage or strength.

01:42We hope players will take note of this detailed element, as it embodies the deep cultural roots

01:47of both Thailand and Muay Thai.

01:49Interestingly, the same monk actually performed a blessing ceremony to pray for the success of Tekken 8.

02:04For motion capture, the team worked with Nadaka Yoshinari, the first Japanese fighter ever to unify both

02:09prestigious Muay Thai titles, Raja Damnan and Lumpini. And we have him here today.

02:21By incorporating Nadaka's movements, the team was able to deliver animations that truly capture the

02:26authenticity and impact of Muay Thai.

02:35So, Nadaka, after actually doing the motion capture and then seeing the actual character, what did you think?

02:56This character specializes in controlling the fight with his massive reach and powerful heavy

03:04hitting Muay Thai techniques. He might not be the fastest, but his sheer power is a force of wrecking.

03:11If you enjoy characters who apply pressure with devastating single hits rather than relying on a

03:16carry of smaller attacks, then this is the character for you.

03:26This character is a result of a collaborative effort, with many individuals contributing to

03:31the carefully crafted motion and design. Experience the exhilarating one-hit knockout potential that

03:36Fakum Ram brings to the fight. So that's all about Fakum Ram. He's actually personally one of my favorite

03:42characters in the series to date, so I can't wait to have everyone have their hands on

03:46Fakum Ram. Fakum Ram will be available for Early Access starting July 8th or July 7th PDT for those

03:54who own the Season 2 pass. The official release begins on July 11th or July 10th PDT. More details

04:01about Fakum Ram will be revealed in a special livestream scheduled for the day before Early Access. Don't miss it!

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