When reflecting on the success of Tekken in the West, the name Jerry Momoda may not be instantly recognizable to many fans of the series. However, Jerry's contributions as a product manager were instrumental in the popular fighting game's launch in North America. Jerry joined Namco in 1993, bringing with him valuable experience from his tenure at various gaming powerhouses such as Nintendo, Sega, and Atari Games.
Identifying the popularity of arcades and the draw of fighting games like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter II, Jerry proposed that Namco dip their toes into the burgeoning market. This suggestion sparked a series of events that would eventually lead to the development of Tekken. After presenting a persuasive case study based on market data and player behavior, Jerry's report was able to influence discussions at Namco's global annual meeting in Japan. The outcome led to the development of an early 3D prototype that would plant the seeds for what would blossom into Tekken.
As the game's development progressed, Jerry worked closely with the Japanese team to ensure that Tekken was tailor-made for US audiences, a collaboration which continued with the game's sequels. In our interview, Jerry shared his initial reluctance regarding the name Tekken, feeling it lacked resonance with English speakers. His alternative suggestion, 'Rave War,' was ultimately set aside in favor of the original title, which Jerry now admits was a fitting choice.
Tekken proved to be a commercial hit, quickly establishing itself as a favorite among arcade-goers. It introduced revolutionary game mechanics, like the sophisticated four-button control system that allowed precise control over the in-game characters' limbs. This feature set Tekken apart from its competitors and contributed to its lasting impact on the fighting game genre.
Jerry also played a key role in the development of the sequel, Tekken 2. He innovated the time-release feature, which unlocked new characters based on the actual operation time of arcade machines. This not only provided a competitive edge to early adopters but also streamlined updates without requiring downtime for the machines.
Jerry fondly recalled one of his most notable contributions to Tekken 2, the implementation of the time-release feature for unlocking new characters. Unlike traditional methods of updating arcade machines, which involved manual chip swaps and inevitably led to game downtime, Tekken 2's internal clock introduced characters automatically based on the cabinet's operational hours. Cleverly incentivizing operators to buy and run the game early, this ensured an excitement among players as they would frequent whichever location had the newest combatants.
Throughout our conversation, Jerry's passion for the Tekken series and his pride in its success were evident. The unique characters, responsive controls, and the depth of gameplay captivated players, fostering a competitive atmosphere that was critical for arcade profitability.
Despite his passion for the fighting game genre, Jerry observed the decline of the coin-operated arcade market with Sony’s PlayStation release. This emerging console market, nourished partly by ports of popular arcade titles, indicated the beginning of the end for traditional arcades. Understanding that consoles could now deliver arcade-quality experiences at home, Jerry foresaw the shifting tides in the gaming industry.
This transition was not without its challenges, and Jerry’s career eventually felt the impact of the declining arcade market. After contributing to several sequels and boosting company revenue, he left Namco in 1998, taking with him fond memories of a remarkable chapter in video game history.
Reflecting upon his time at Namco, Jerry is content with his contributions and the indelible mark he left on the Tekken franchise. Today, he enjoys his retirement, indulging in various hobbies, sports, and, fittingly, still engaging with the latest video games.
Jerry’s tale is a testament to the often-unsung heroes behind our gaming favorites. His expertise, vision, and dedication to the craft played a critical role in shaping the success of Tekken in the Western world – a legacy that continues to resonate with players globally.
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