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Monday, December
15th, 2025
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Katsuhiro Harada
Leaving Bandai Namco
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 Katsuhiro
Harada, the
long-standing director of the Tekken franchise and
a pivotal figure in the fighting game industry,
is set to depart from Bandai Namco at the end of 2025 after a remarkable
31-year tenure. His career at Namco, which began in 1994, initially
involved promoting arcades before he transitioned into game development,
contributing to the very first Tekken game as a balancing
advisor. Harada's influence grew significantly, leading him to direct TEKKEN
3 in 1997, a title widely regarded as a defining entry in
fighting game history.
In 2019, he expanded his
responsibilities to become the general producer for all Bandai Namco
franchises, encouraging experimentation across various projects, including
VR concepts and new competitive formats. Harada's
decision to leave was influenced by a period of deep reflection on
"the time he had left as a creator," prompted by the loss of
several close friends and the retirement or passing of respected senior
colleagues in recent years. On that note, Harada gave a eulogy at DOA
producer Itagaki's funeral in November.
Harada-san also cited the Tekken series reaching its 30th
anniversary as a fitting moment to close this chapter of his professional
life. The legendary PlayStation executive Ken Kutaragi provided invaluable
encouragement and guidance during this personal transition, supporting
Harada's decision. Harada has been gradually preparing for this departure
over the past four to five years, systematically handing over his
responsibilities, including the narrative and world-building aspects of Tekken,
to his team.
The departure of such a prominent figure marks a significant turning point
for the Tekken franchise and Bandai Namco. However, Bandai Namco
has reassured fans of their continued commitment to the series, with
longtime producer Michael Murray and game director Kohei Ikeda (Nakatsu)
leading the project. The company stated that they are fully dedicated to
the future development and content plans for TEKKEN
8 and subsequent installments, aiming to uphold Harada's vision
and legacy.
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The community has reacted
with a mix of emotion and confidence, acknowledging Harada's immense
impact while also recognizing the potential for new opportunities and
revitalization that a change in leadership can bring, as seen with other
fighting game franchises like Street
Fighter 6. While we're sad to see Harada depart, we'd like to
wish him the best in his future endeavors. Thank you for all your
years of work and dedication, Harada-san. Keep it here on The
Fighters Generation for continued coverage and more fighting game
news.
~TFG Webmaster, Frank Joseph
| @Fighters_Gen
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| Source:
@Harada_TEKKEN
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Tomonobu Itagaki, the visionary producer and creator of the Dead
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Related TFG Links: TEKKEN
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