Key Takeaways
- Yoshie Murabe, age 73, won Care Esports’ Tekken 8 tournament using Panda.
- The event proved that elderly gamers can handle fast-paced titles like fighting games.
- Care Esports plans to expand into more genres, including GeoGuessr, fostering mental activity and inclusion through esports.
Yoshie Murabe, a 73-year-old Panda main, has claimed victory in a Tekken 8 tournament hosted by Care Esports, a Japanese organization focused on online gaming for the elderly. The competitive event showcased Japan’s aging population embracing modern esports, blending nostalgia with high-intensity gameplay.
A Button-Mashing Brawl for the Ages
The grand finals saw Murabe face off against Sadayuki Kato, a King player. The matches were streamed online with full commentary, player interviews, and real-time reactions. Viewers praised the spirited gameplay and entertaining sequences, where both finalists demonstrated a surprising grasp of core mechanics such as combos and movement. Despite not using Tekken 8’s special style mode—designed to simplify inputs—both players executed strategies that highlighted their game knowledge.
The final round was a non-stop flurry of button presses and close calls, resembling a classic arcade-style face-off. The intensity of the matches, paired with the competitors’ senior status, struck a chord with the online community.
Also read: Paramount+ Pulls South Park Internationally Amid Licensing Dispute, Fans Turn to Movies Instead
Care Esports: Bringing Fighting Games to the Elderly
Founded to provide recreational outlets for seniors, Care Esports originally hosted games like Shogi and Othello. However, according to Shinpei Hama, the PR officer of Care eSports and a professional Tekken player himself, the addition of Tekken 8 was an experiment that paid off.
In an interview with Japanese outlet Game*Spark, Hama revealed he advocated for the inclusion of a fighting game to diversify the competitive offerings. His background in Tekken made it a natural choice.
“We wanted to challenge the stereotype of what older gamers are capable of,” Hama said. “Fighting games like Tekken can offer excitement and cognitive engagement for all ages.”
What’s Next: More Games on the Horizon
Following the success of the Tekken 8 tournament, Hama expressed interest in expanding the lineup of games. While more fighting titles may be introduced, he specifically mentioned GeoGuessr as a potential next addition. The geography-based game could further promote mental stimulation among participants, showing the evolving landscape of senior esports.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of GameDegen.com. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. GameDegen.com is not responsible for any financial losses.
