Martial Arts in Games – How Realistic Are They?

At the turn of the 1960s and 1970s, Bruce Lee revolutionized the action film genre, inspiring millions of young people to take up martial arts. In the 1980s and 1990s, his legacy was carried on by talented action actors such as Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen, Jet Li, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Mark Dacascos. These performers not only strengthened the tradition of martial arts on screen but also made their own unique contribution to the film industry, demonstrating breathtaking stunts and fight choreography to audiences. The influence of Bruce Lee and his followers remains relevant today, continuing to inspire a new generation of fighters and audiences.

While video games were just beginning to develop, cinema became a main source of inspiration for developers. However, fighting games of the 1990s also played a significant role in popularizing martial arts. It was during this decade that young people began to learn martial arts not only through films but also through video games. The first games featuring karate, judo, and other martial artists began appearing as early as the 1970s, laying the foundation for the genre's further development. Video games became not only entertainment but also a way to experience martial arts culture, significantly expanding the fan base.

In this article, we will examine how video games represent martial arts and the extent to which this reflects reality. We will analyze the key ideas and concepts that renowned game designers incorporate into fighting and hand-to-hand combat action games. Let's discuss how game mechanics and fighting styles influence players' perception of martial arts and how accurately they convey the culture and philosophy of various combat disciplines.

A Small Start to a Long Journey

In the mid-1970s, the first martial arts-themed video games began to appear on the market. These projects were considered progressive, but their realism left much to be desired. Character movements only vaguely resembled real fighting styles. In the 1980s, during the heyday of 8-bit gaming, combat techniques in fighting and action games were used primarily to create a vibrant aesthetic. Despite the efforts of artists, the technology of the time did not allow for the realistic depiction of battle dynamics. Characters, rendered as large pixels, could only imitate movements such as sharp strikes or throws by opponents. All these elements looked unnatural even by the standards of their time, and often the players' imagination could not compensate for the lack of realism in the gameplay.

One of the most memorable action films of its time is considered to be the game Bruce Lee, dedicated to the adventures of one of the main pop icons of the 20th century. This action game was released in 1984 for the Atari 800 XL and Commodore 64 platforms. The game has a simple structure: Bruce must go through 20 levels, fighting enemies on the way to his goal. The hero's main goal is to uncover the secret of immortality. Thanks to the popularity of Bruce Lee, the game gained immense popularity and sold 1 million copies worldwide. Bruce Lee became a cult phenomenon, leaving a noticeable mark on the history of video games.

In 1988, the arcade hit Kung-Fu Master was ported to the NES console. The game was originally released as an arcade game in 1984 and is considered the founder of the beat 'em up genre. The game's concept refers to Bruce Lee's unfinished project, "Game of Death." In Kung-Fu Master, the player controls a character who fights with martial arts masters, striving to achieve his goal. During the game, the hero not only defeats powerful bosses, but also faces ordinary opponents, which makes the gameplay varied and exciting.

From Simple to Complex

In Chinese, Japanese, and Korean martial arts schools, students begin their training by mastering basic stances and strikes. This initial stage of training is the most difficult and exhausting for those who are seriously engaged in martial arts. In traditional Shaolinquan, for example, at least three months are allocated to mastering the mabu stance. During this time, students conduct training in this position, combining it with simple strikes, which they repeat thousands of times, bringing to automatism. After this, novice fighters move on to mastering simple sets of exercises known as taolu in wushu and kata in karate. These formal exercises incorporate combinations of strikes, throws, and grapples that help develop the coordination and technique necessary for further progress in martial arts.

Capcom first introduced martial arts to video games with the release of Street Fighter II. The game's creators elevated striking combinations to an art form and effectively created a new esports discipline, leading to a significant rise in the popularity of the fighting game genre in the 1990s. Released in 1991, Street Fighter II became a landmark title that defined the future of not only games in this genre but also esports in general.

Street Fighter II game designer Akira Nishitani didn't emphasize the realistic nature of martial arts, but he did put a lot of effort into creating unique and memorable characters with distinct appearances and fighting tactics. Nishitani also focused on achieving perfect gameplay balance and developing striking, though not always realistic, moves that have become iconic in pop culture. For example, the famous hadouken energy strike was referenced in the superhero film Shazam during a scene with a lightning attack. This aspect highlights the influence of Street Fighter II on modern media and its continuing relevance in the world of video games.

Fighters in games like Street Fighter represent both traditional and competitive martial arts, but their designs and abilities are actually the product of game designer Akira's imagination. He has openly admitted to drawing inspiration from the famous manga JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. For example, the Indian fighter Dhalsim's ability to stretch his limbs is similar to the Ripple-using abilities of the JoJo characters. Rosa's design was inspired by Lisa Lisa from JoJo: The Last Jedi. Guile, a key character in Street Fighter, combines traits of Rudolf von Stroheim from JoJo: The Last Jedi and Jean-Pierre Polnareff from JoJo: The Last Jedi. Thus, one can see how manga has influenced the creation of unique characters in video games, which makes them more attractive to fans of martial arts culture.

The appeal of Street Fighter II lies in the competition between players. This game inspires head-to-head battles, creating a unique atmosphere of cooperation and rivalry. The main thing to remember: let's play against each other more often! Relax and enjoy the process when playing Street Fighter II. It is not only entertainment, but also a chance to improve your skills, share experiences, and just spend time with friends. Street Fighter II remains a classic, uniting gamers of all levels.

Akira Nishitani is a renowned game designer who has made significant contributions to the gaming industry. His works are distinguished by innovative ideas and a high level of quality. Nishitani became famous for creating unique game mechanics and deep stories that attract players around the world. He is actively involved in the development of both independent projects and large gaming franchises. His commitment to excellence and attention to detail make him a key figure in modern game design. Akira Nishitani's work inspires a new generation of developers and remains relevant in the rapidly changing world of video games.

Street Fighter II features characters typical of the fighting game genre, embodying traditional karate, wushu, boxing, and wrestling. However, the techniques used by the fighters are largely fictional, as the technology of the 1990s did not allow for the accurate depiction of all the intricacies of martial arts. Nevertheless, it was SF II that first implemented an important principle of martial arts—the need to deliver strikes in precisely timed sequences. This aspect significantly enriched the gameplay and became the basis for further developments in the genre, emphasizing the strategic component of combat.

Mortal Kombat, with its unique atmosphere and martial arts spirit, has become a true symbol in the world of video games, especially in Russia, where it is considered a people's game. The first part of the series was released in arcades almost immediately after the release of Street Fighter II. The fighting game from Midway stands out among the creations of Capcom for its abundance of blood, brutal scenes and magical techniques, as well as memorable finishing moves known as "Fatalities". The game offers a rich story about a deadly tournament involving ninjas, gods and students of the Shaolin monastery, which attracts the attention of gamers and inspires them to study martial arts. Mortal Kombat was a huge hit in its time and remains a cult classic in the fighting game genre.

The Mortal Kombat series doesn't boast realistic fighting techniques like punches and throws. Despite this, the action in the games has always been vibrant, including the early releases. This was made possible by the use of motion capture technology, developed by Ed Boon and his team for character animation. This approach created dynamic and memorable moments, making Mortal Kombat an iconic fighting game.

The Mortal Kombat developers used motion capture technology to capture actors against a green screen background, which allowed for realistic punches and techniques in the game. In later installments of the series, elements of real martial arts began to be clearly visible. For example, the character Kung Lao frequently uses combinations of Chinese styles like Wing Chun and Mei Hua Chuan, Jax demonstrates striking techniques typical of professional boxing, and Johnny Cage, reminiscent of Jean-Claude Van Damme, performs acrobatic moves typical of taekwondo. These elements make the game's combat more engaging and realistic, attracting the attention of both fighting game fans and martial arts enthusiasts.

Fun fact: In the 2002 game Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, the developers added a joke secret character named Mocap. This fighter is an ordinary actor dressed in a motion capture suit, which makes his appearance rather unremarkable. Mocap became an interesting reference to the character creation technologies used in the Mortal Kombat series and added an element of humor to the game, becoming a kind of symbol of innovation in the gaming industry.

Technologies developed in the past served as the basis for creating the current version of the digitized characters and environments in Mortal Kombat 11. We use photographs of real people and objects to create high-quality 3D models. Using real actors and real objects in modern games represents a return to the methods we first used in 1992 when creating the first Mortal Kombat. This strategy is one of the reasons why Mortal Kombat 11 features a significantly higher quality of visuals compared to previous games in the series.

Ed Boon is a renowned game designer who is renowned for his contributions to the video game industry. He is one of the co-founders of NetherRealm Studios and is best known as the creator of the Mortal Kombat series. Ed Boon's work has had a significant influence on the development of fighting games and the video game genre as a whole. Thanks to his innovative approaches and creativity, the Mortal Kombat series has achieved iconic status, combining exciting gameplay with vibrant characters and unique mechanics. Ed Boon continues to be actively involved in game development, a testament to his dedication and commitment to improving the gaming experience.

Transition to the Third Dimension

Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter II reflected the visual aesthetic of martial arts and touched on the principles of "flow" in movement. Game designer Yu Suzuki sought to create a fighting game that would more realistically showcase martial arts. In the mid-1990s, he achieved this goal, releasing a game that marked a significant step in the genre's development.

For Yu Suzuki, accurately depicting Eastern martial arts was crucial. He is not only interested in philosophy and mathematics, but also has a passion for martial arts. Despite his Japanese heritage, Suzuki trained with Chinese masters, where he mastered authentic techniques of powerful, fast, and precise punches and kicks. He used this experience to create the most realistic fighting game of the mid-nineties, which made his work significant in the world of video games.

The first Virtua Fighter was not only the first 3D fighting game, but also a significant step in the evolution of the gaming industry. In the 1990s, when the world was just beginning to get acquainted with 3D technology, 3D games looked quite primitive. Objects in them consisted of simple triangles and often lacked textures, which created the impression that characters were robots. With limited graphics, creating beautiful visuals was virtually impossible. Recognizing this challenge, Yu Suzuki decided to focus all of Sega's efforts and resources on making the fighters' movements in his game as precise and realistic as possible. This attention to detail is one of the reasons Virtua Fighter has such an important place in video game history and influenced the development of the fighting game genre.

To achieve high-quality animation, I insisted that all designers take martial arts training. Understanding real movements and techniques is key to creating believable animation. This knowledge is essential not only for designers but for all team members. We organized a martial arts tournament for all office employees. Those who demonstrated good skills were invited to participate in the project, while the rest continued with routine work. This approach not only improves the quality of animation but also promotes team spirit and chemistry within the team.

Yu Suzuki is a renowned game designer who has made significant contributions to the video game industry. His work is distinguished by a unique approach to creating game worlds and characters. Suzuki became famous for his projects that combined innovative mechanics and deep stories. His skills in game development have made him a cult figure among gamers and specialists. Important aspects of his work include attention to detail, original ideas, and the ability to create unforgettable gaming experiences. Yu Suzuki continues to inspire a new generation of developers with his experience and passion for games.

At the time, the standard in the fighting game genre was Street Fighter II, which used a six-button combat system. However, Suzuki, a true admirer of Eastern philosophy, chose the path of simplification and implemented three-button controls in Virtua Fighter. This innovation made the game more accessible and intuitive for players, which contributed to the popularity of the genre.

Game developers often feel comfortable creating complex control systems with many buttons, assuming that players can handle memorizing combinations. However, I took a different approach and limited myself to just three actions: punch, kick, and guard. To understand which combinations are most intuitive for players, I conducted an experiment with different participants. I gave them a controller and asked them to press the buttons randomly. Afterwards, I analyzed the data and identified the most common combinations, starting with simple ones like two punches or two kicks. Based on these patterns, I developed a combat system geared toward beginners, allowing them to achieve success in the game simply by pressing buttons.

Yu Suzuki is a renowned game designer who has made significant contributions to the video game industry. He is best known for developing iconic titles such as the Shenmue series and Virtua Fighter. Suzuki has always strived for innovation and the use of new technologies in games, which has allowed him to create unique game mechanics and impressive stories. His works are distinguished by their deep character development and world-building, which has attracted the attention of players and critics around the world. Yu Suzuki continues to inspire a new generation of developers, remaining a key figure in the world of game design.

Virtua Fighter is often considered a benchmark fighting game due to its tactical and technical capabilities. The game stands out for its deep mechanics, providing players with a wide range of strategies and techniques. This makes it ideal for those who value skill and thoughtful decisions in combat.

Virtua Fighter was released in arcades in 1993, after which the game was ported to the Sega Saturn, Sega 32X, and PC. The series includes five main parts and several spin-offs. The latest version of the game, Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown, was released on PS4 and PS5 consoles in June of this year. This game continues the series' tradition, offering players a deep combat system and unique characters.

The Great Shenmue

In Virtua Fighter, Yu Suzuki showcased the vibrant and engaging side of martial arts. In his ambitious and expensive Shenmue project, he sought to convey the moral and ethical principles of martial arts to a wider audience, emphasizing that they are more important than technique and physical strength.

True fist art is passed down only to noble people of high moral character. It cannot be trusted to those with ill intentions or arrogance and who do not follow the true path of the Tao. This old Shaolin proverb emphasizes the importance of the moral aspect in martial arts, where ethics and respect play a key role. To become a true master, one must not only develop physical skills but also strive for spiritual perfection, which is the foundation of the martial art.

The plot of all three parts of Shenmue is simple and reminiscent of the classic stories of old Hong Kong action films. The protagonist, a young man named Ryo Hazuki, seeks revenge for the death of his father, a respected jujutsu master. The killer was a Chinese man named Lan Di, who, having committed the crime, stole an important relic - the Dragon Mirror. This story of revenge, self-discovery, and the search for justice is infused with elements of Eastern philosophy and martial arts, giving it uniqueness and depth.

In martial arts schools, moral and ethical principles are transmitted from the teacher to students through personal example and interaction. In the East, there are clearly defined sets of rules that regulate ethical behavior. In China, this is the Wude, a document that outlines the foundations of martial ethics. In Japan, Bushido—a set of norms and guidelines that define the behavior of a true warrior in society—is particularly important. These teachings not only shape the character and inner world of practitioners but also contribute to the creation of harmony in society. In the game Shenmue, Yu Suzuki conveys moral and ethical values ​​through the protagonist's interactions with the inhabitants of the virtual world. Ryo Hazuki, the protagonist, actively helps the residents of his hometown of Yokosuka, as well as those of Hong Kong and a small village in the picturesque mountains of Guilin, China. He embodies good manners and an understanding of the modern world, demonstrating hard work, patience, and nobility. Ryo Hazuki is an ideal example of a bearer of the martial arts traditions, which makes him a character capable of inspiring players to develop moral qualities and respect for cultural traditions.

Before achieving enlightenment It's important to remember everyday tasks like chopping firewood and collecting water. These simple tasks help maintain a connection to reality and remind you to care for your material needs. After achieving enlightenment, it's also important to remember routine chores like chopping firewood and collecting water. It's important to realize that pursuing a spiritual path doesn't negate the need to care for the physical world. An old Shaolin proverb emphasizes that balance between the spiritual and material aspects of life is the key to harmony and enlightenment.

Shenmue's protagonist, Ryo Hazuki, not only works and helps the villagers but also actively participates in combat. He must protect the weak and accept challenges from experienced martial artists. The combat system in all three Shenmue games is based on the principles of Virtua Fighter. However, in Shenmue, Ryo also learns new techniques through grueling training or through quests from elder masters. For example, the protagonist travels around his village and meets an elderly man who asks him to find a peach. After Ryo finds and brings the fruit, the old master teaches him a new fighting technique. This approach to training makes the gameplay more engaging and varied, deepening the player's interaction with the world of Shenmue.

Suzuki sought to use Shenmue to demonstrate how martial arts intertwine with the life and cultural code of Eastern peoples. In the third part of the cycle, the protagonist Ryo finds himself in a village where the locals practice Shaolinquan, Tai Chi, Baguazhang, and other martial arts early in the morning. The game designer paid attention to the realism of the fighting systems, which are rarely seen in other media, allowing players to more deeply understand and appreciate the cultural heritage of Eastern martial arts.

Tekken - Tekken?

In the mid-nineties, Namco decided to create its own series of arcade and console fighting games, striving to achieve brightness and realism. In 1994, Tekken was released - a fighting game that in many ways resembled Virtua Fighter. Namco's 3D competitive action game stood out for its extensive roster of fighters, including eighteen characters in the first game. The combat system emphasized powerful grabs and transitions into stances, which added depth to the gameplay. The character animations were also impressive for their time, but after Virtua Fighter, it became more difficult to impress experienced gamers. Tekken quickly gained popularity and became one of the most famous fighting game series, continuing to evolve and adapt to player demands.

The release of Tekken 3 was a turning point in the world of fighting games. Gameplay became more dynamic, and characters mastered a key tactical move in martial arts – escaping the enemy's line of attack. This move allows not only to dodge attacks, but also to effectively counterattack or perform grabs. Escaping the line of attack is a fundamental element in oriental martial arts such as Xingyiquan and Wing Chun, and their integration into Tekken 3 significantly enriched the gaming experience, making it more strategic and engaging.

The name Tekken translates from Japanese as "iron fist." This term is also consonant with the word "taekkyeon," denoting the traditional Korean martial art. In taekkyeon, fighters emphasize kicks, jumping attacks, and throwing techniques. Visually, the training sparring in Taekkyeon resembles the dynamic gameplay of a Namco action game, emphasizing the similarities in fighting styles and game elements.

In the Tekken game, fighters have distinct martial arts styles. For example, the character Forest Law, reminiscent of Bruce Lee, demonstrates the Jeet Kune Do style developed by this famous actor. Jeet Kune Do harmoniously combines elements of boxing and taekwondo. Another character, Lei Wulong, who looks like Jackie Chan, uses the Drunken Fist style (Zuiquan). This style is considered lost, and its real prototype is unknown. In some parts of Tekken, Lei also demonstrates skills in the Xingyiquan and Choilifut styles, which makes him one of the most versatile fighters in the game. Each character has unique fighting techniques and moves, adding variety and depth to the gameplay.

Tekken 3 features Eddy Gordo, a fighter who uses capoeira. This martial arts style attracts attention thanks to its acrobatic elements, reminiscent of breakdancing. Eddy demonstrates unique combinations that make his fights exciting and spectacular. Capoeira, with its smooth transitions and dynamic strikes, becomes an essential part of his arsenal, making Eddy one of the most memorable characters in the game.

The Tekken series' memorable striking techniques continue to inspire martial arts fans to create videos featuring professionals and seasoned amateurs demonstrating precise execution of combos from the games. These videos are popular due to the high technical complexity and aesthetics of their movements, attracting the attention of both fans of the series and a wider audience. In the world of fighting games, Tekken remains one of the most influential and well-known brands, contributing to the development of martial arts culture and training based on gaming techniques.

Tekken 5 features several characters from Russia, including a non-playable character. The general producer of the Tekken series, Katsuhiro Harada, noted in an interview that he is interested in the history of the USSR and Russia. This attention to cultural and historical aspects gives the game additional depth and makes it more appealing to players interested in a variety of characters and their backstories.

The Tekken series features a variety of Russian characters. Currently, there are enough of them, but we are open to suggestions from our Russian fans to add new characters to the game's story. My attitude towards Russia is very positive; I am deeply interested in the history of the USSR and study it. Russia remains a mystery to me, which explains the large number of Russian characters in our game, as it stems from my genuine interest in the culture and heritage of Russia and the USSR.

Katsuhiro Harada is a renowned game designer who rose to prominence thanks to his contributions to the Tekken series. With over 30 years of industry experience, Harada has established himself as one of the leading experts in fighting game development. His work encompasses not only character creation and game mechanics but also the development of engaging stories that attract players worldwide. Harada actively engages with the fan community, allowing him to incorporate their feedback and improve his games. His commitment to innovation and quality makes him one of the key figures in modern game design.

Sword in the sheath, spear always with you

"If the hand has reached the target of the strike, but the foot has not, then you are only creating problems for yourself. If the gaze has reached the desired point, and the hands and feet have time to follow, then you have mastered the secrets of the mastery." This ancient Shaolin wisdom emphasizes the importance of synchronization of actions and mindfulness in martial arts. It is not only physical but also mental focus that is important, which allows for success in any area of ​​life. Understanding this concept can be the key to improving skills and achieving high results.

In oriental martial arts, many fist techniques have their roots in weapons techniques. For example, if you consider the movements of Wing Chun practitioners with dual blades or Xingyi masters with a spear, it becomes obvious where these styles originate. Similarly, in Japanese martial arts, the foundation of aikido is rooted in traditional katana fencing. These connections highlight the influence of historical martial arts on modern styles and demonstrate how the use of weapons has shaped the technique and philosophy of fistfights.

Soulcalibur, the first game in the series, formerly known as Soul Edge and released in 1995, is not the first fighting game with weapons. Samurai Shodown is considered the debut of this genre. However, Soulcalibur stands out from SNK for two key reasons. First, Namco's game was the first fighting game in the world to use passive optical motion capture technology. Second, the Soulcalibur series showcases realistic techniques of various types of melee weapons from both the East and West, making it unique in its kind.

At a basic level, the hands and feet represent the most basic tools available to every human being. However, the movements that can be performed with them are limited to punches, kicks, grabs, and other techniques. The use of weapons significantly expands the range of attacks, including chopping, stabbing, and throwing actions. Weapons allow you to keep your opponent at a distance, which adds a strategic element to the gameplay. This makes on-screen battles more exciting and dynamic compared to traditional fist fights.

Hisaharu Tago is the producer of the acclaimed video game Soul Calibur V. His work on the project covers many aspects of development, including concept creation, gameplay optimization, and interaction with the development team. Soul Calibur V has received acclaim for its unique combat mechanics and rich character pool, which is a result of the efforts of Tago and his team. Hisaharu Tago's involvement in the project underscores his experience and dedication to the gaming industry, as well as his desire to create a high-quality and engaging product for fans of the Soul Calibur series.

In the early Soulcalibur installments, as well as subsequent ones, players have the ability to move out of the line of attack and quickly shift back or forward. The first Soulcalibur, released after Soul Edge, introduced mechanics that allow you to push back or redirect attacks, as well as deflect enemy weapons, allowing you to inflict significant damage. This mechanic, combined with weaponry, makes the Tekken formula even more effective, providing not only spectacular action but also a wide range of tactical options in combat. Soulcalibur offers players unique mechanics that promote more dynamic and strategic battles, making the game appealing to fans of the genre.

The Soulcalibur series features impressive fighting techniques Using the Chinese jian sword, which was considered a noble weapon in ancient times, this technique is represented by the heroine Chai Xianghua. The fighter Hwang Seong-kyung demonstrates mastery of the dao blade, while the samurai Heishiro Mitsurugi masterfully wields a katana. The game also beautifully reflects the use of the staff, the primary weapon in Shaolin wushu, which the young fighter Shiba wields. These elements add to the game's immersive experience and allow players to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Eastern martial arts.

The Soulcalibur series traditionally features bonus characters from famous games and films. In the second installment on the GameCube, players encountered Link from The Legend of Zelda, who wielded a sword and shield. Soulcalibur IV featured guest appearances from Star Wars characters Yoda and Darth Vader. These crossovers make the Soulcalibur series unique and appealing to fans of various franchises, adding variety to the gameplay and allowing players to enjoy encounters with their favorite characters.

Interest in ninjas, kung fu, and martial arts, both Eastern and Western, continues to grow. The ninja action film "G.I. Joe: Retaliation: Snake Eyes" is currently in theaters, and is already attracting audiences. Marvel's "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" is expected to premiere in early September. The main character is a martial arts master, underscoring the popularity of this theme in cinema. In 2019, HBO premiered the series "Warrior," based on one of Bruce Lee's ideas, which also indicates a resurgence of interest in martial arts. These projects confirm that martial arts continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences around the world.

Recently, the gaming industry has seen the release of such popular fighting games as Soulcalibur 6, Tekken 7, and Mortal Kombat 11. In February of this year, the developers of the action game Absolver announced Sifu, an action game with realistic hand-to-hand and weapon combat, inspired by dynamic kung fu fighters. The release is expected this year, confirming that interest in martial arts continues to grow. With advances in technology, it is becoming increasingly easier to convey all the intricacies of martial arts, which opens new horizons for creating exciting games in this genre.

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