Tekken 8 Introduces Miary Zo, Its First African Fighter Inspired by Madagascar’s Moraingy

Miary Zo, a new Tekken 8 character (Image Credit: Bandai Namco).

Tekken 8 is expanding its roster with Miary Zo, a brand-new fighter from Madagascar who practices Moraingy, a traditional form of kickboxing rooted in the island nation’s history.

In previous entries, Tekken’s development team has traveled globally to capture the essence of different fighting styles, as seen with Fahkumram, whose Sak Yant tattoo in Tekken 8 was designed with the help of Thai monks.

For Miary Zo, the developers journeyed to Madagascar to study Moraingy up close — a sport that blends competition with cultural celebration, often performed during festivals and community gatherings.

According to series producer Katsuhiro Harada, the development process was deeply immersive. As he shared on Twitter, the team explored both cities and rural towns, collaborated with local artists, worked with Madagascar’s gaming community, and even hired voice actors from the country.

Harada also noted that the research extended beyond sightseeing. The developers examined ruins dating back to 500 B.C., learned from educators and community members, and refined Miary Zo’s design based on local feedback.

The announcement has sparked excitement not only among Malagasy players but also across the broader African Tekken community.

Miary Zo’s big debut came in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it teaser at the end of Armor King’s gameplay trailer.

Armor King’s gameplay trailer (via YouTube)