Katsuhiro Harada's Unsuccessful Bid for Colonel Sanders in Tekken

In the world of video games, the Tekken series has long been a staple, captivating players with its dynamic characters and intense battles. Recently, Katsuhiro Harada, the development chief of Tekken, shared an intriguing story about an idea that never came to fruition. Harada revealed that he once attempted to include the iconic Colonel Sanders, the face of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), as a guest character in the popular fighting game. This revelation has sparked interest and curiosity among fans of both the game and the fast-food chain.

Harada explained, "A long time ago, I wanted to have Colonel Sanders from Kentucky Fried Chicken fight." He took the initiative to approach KFC's head office in Japan with this unique proposal. However, the response was not what he had hoped for. The idea was met with a "bad look," indicating that KFC was not open to the concept of their beloved mascot engaging in combat within a video game.

Interestingly, Colonel Sanders did eventually make an appearance in a video game, but not in the way Harada envisioned. He starred in a dating simulator titled I Love You, Colonel Sanders! A Finger Lickin' Good Dating Simulator, which was released for free on Steam in September 2019. This quirky game was a promotional effort by KFC, showcasing the brand's willingness to explore unconventional marketing strategies.

Michael Murray, a game designer, added further context to Harada's experience, stating, "They weren't very open to the idea." He noted that while Colonel Sanders has appeared in other games since then, the notion of him fighting in Tekken posed a challenge for KFC. This highlights the complexities involved in discussions about character inclusion in video games, especially when it comes to well-known brands.

While the dream of seeing Colonel Sanders in Tekken may have been dashed, fans are still eagerly anticipating the addition of new characters. Harada mentioned that the possibility of a Waffle House stage in the game is also contingent on obtaining approval from the restaurant chain, emphasizing that such collaborations require cooperation from all parties involved.

As Tekken 8 continues to evolve, players can look forward to the introduction of Heihachi Mishima as the game’s third DLC character. Heihachi, a veteran fighter, will join the roster as part of the upcoming free story expansion titled Unforgotten Echoes. This addition promises to enhance the gaming experience for fans, keeping the excitement alive in the Tekken community.

While the idea of Colonel Sanders battling it out in Tekken may remain a whimsical thought, it serves as a reminder of the creative possibilities that exist within the gaming industry. The challenges of incorporating beloved characters from different realms into video games highlight the intricate balance between brand identity and fan expectations. As players continue to engage with their favorite franchises, the hope for unique collaborations and unexpected character appearances remains a thrilling aspect of the gaming world.