SDCC 23: Bandai Namco aims for a big Con with Armored Core, Tekken 8 and more

It’s going to be a hot time at the old Con for Bandai Namco, who’s planning to bring some of the biggest titles or 2023 to the show floor.

Anticipated

As games go, Bandai Namco has some massively-anticipated ones right now. The return of one of the biggest fight series of all time in Tekken 8, and surprise Armored Core comeback with Fires of Rubicon probably would have been enough, but the publisher also touts titles like the latest Naruto and Dragon Ball games, and newcomer Sand Land.

It’s a lot to look forward to, and all of it will be in attendance come Comic Con International time. Just don’t look for it all to be in the convention center, as Bandai Namco has some expansive plans lined up. Though the Con itself will play host to Sand Land and Naruto x Boruto, as well as a panel, there’ll be happenings all over San Diego.

Fans can look for Armored Core VI and Tekken 8 to pop up at the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center, plus Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina Terrace. There’s quite a bit to do, so scroll down to take a peek at the full list of stuff you’ll be able to check out, and make your plans accordingly.

At the San Diego Convention Center (Badge Required)

• SAND LAND (Booth #3729) – Enter a recreation of a vehicle from the game and go hands-on with the first-ever playable demo of SAND LAND, a new action RPG based on the classic manga from Akira Toriyama, creator of DRAGON BALL and DR. SLUMP. 

• NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS (Booth #129) – Pose with a Naruto statue and play recently announced characters in a recreation of the Hidden Leaf Village food stand for this action fighting game celebrating the anime’s 20^th anniversary. 

• PANEL ROOM ACTIVATIONS – See the Worldwide Premiere of the SAND LAND anime feature film – follow the official SAND LAND Twitter for more information. Join a panel of fighting greats to learn more about TEKKEN 8; SDCC panel details will be revealed at a later time. 

At the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center

• ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON – Pilots wanted! The battle over Rubicon 3 and its valuable resource Coral is in need of capable pilot recruits. In this exciting experiential activation for the upcoming action game from FromSoftware, Inc. (ELDEN RING™, DARK SOULS™), prospective pilots will be able to test their reflexes with a series of challenges and pose with a life-size Armored Core mech.

• TEKKEN 8 – “Fist Meets Fate” in San Diego! Comic-Con attendees will experience a fully immersive TEKKEN installation with artwork, a non-alcoholic beverage station, DJ, cosplayers, temporary tattoos, playable stations, and more. 

At the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina Terrace: 

• DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 – Try out a host of new characters in this acclaimed game, including those who made their debut in the newest Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO movie with Gamma 1, Gamma 2, Orange Piccolo, and Gohan (Beast).