Tekken 8's veteran fighter, Anna Williams, is back with a redesigned look that's largely been well-received. However, some fans aren't convinced, drawing comparisons to Santa Claus due to her new outfit.

When a fan requested a return to Anna's older design, Tekken's director and chief producer, Katsuhiro Harada, responded directly, stating that while the new design is popular with most fans, he wouldn't remove the previous iterations. He emphasized that those who prefer the older designs can still access them, and criticized the fan for speaking for all "Anna fans" while simultaneously threatening to quit and complaining regardless of the design changes. Harada highlighted the unconstructive and disrespectful nature of the criticism towards other fans excited about the new design.

A subsequent comment regarding the lack of older Tekken games with updated online functionality resulted in a sharp rebuke from Harada, with the director deeming the comment pointless and muting the user.

While the majority of reactions to Anna's new design are positive, some criticisms focus on her outfit. Many appreciate the edgier, more violent aesthetic that aligns with her character arc, though the coat's resemblance to Santa Claus is a common point of contention. Specific criticisms include the white feathers and the overall design, with some feeling it makes her appear younger and less like the dominatrix figure she was previously. Others criticize the overall aesthetic of Tekken 8 costumes, deeming them overly accessorized and lacking a clear focal point.

A Reddit thread discussing Anna's new look highlights this diverse range of opinions.

Tekken 8's impressive sales figures further underscore its success. Having sold 3 million copies within a year, it significantly outpaces Tekken 7's sales trajectory, which reached 12 million copies over 10 years. IGN's review praised Tekken 8, awarding it a 9/10 score for its refined gameplay, enjoyable offline modes, new characters, excellent training tools, and improved online experience.