Japanese video game developer Namco began the series in 1994, with the release of the self-titled first entry. Tekken is noted as being one of the first fighting games at the time to use 3D animation. The series later introduced combos and special moves, with characters also able to stage break arenas. Gameplay focuses on hand-to-hand combat with an opponent, with the gameplay system including blocks, throws, escapes, and ground fighting. The main games in the series follow the events of the King of Iron Fist Tournament, hosted by the Mishima Zaibatsu, where players control a plethora of characters to win the tournament and gain control of the company the conflict between the Mishima family serves as the main focus of the series' plot, while players explore other characters' motivations in aiming to control the Zaibatsu. The franchise also includes film and print adaptations. Tekken ( Japanese: 鉄拳 literal translation: Tetsu no ken, 'Iron Fist') is a Japanese media franchise centered on a series of fighting video and arcade games developed and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment (formerly Namco).
