Harada Committed to Tekken Series

Tekken's Harada explores new professional avenues on LinkedIn, sparking speculation.

Departure from Bandai Namco?

Reports surfaced, originating from a Japanese gaming news outlet (Genki_JPN on X), showcasing a LinkedIn post by Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada. The post indicated Harada's openness to new opportunities and positions, including Executive Producer, Game Director, Business Development roles, Vice President, or Marketing, all based in Tokyo. This fueled concerns among fans regarding his potential departure from Bandai Namco, his employer of three decades and the birthplace of the Tekken franchise.

Harada Addresses the Speculation

Harada, known for his active social media presence on X, swiftly addressed the swirling rumors. He clarified that he isn't leaving Bandai Namco; instead, he aims to expand his professional network and collaborate with more individuals within the industry. His LinkedIn update, he explained, serves as a tool to facilitate these connections and broaden his horizons.

This news offers reassurance to Tekken fans, suggesting continued involvement in the franchise. The recent successful collaboration with Final Fantasy 16, featuring Clive Rosfield as a playable character and additional FF16 themed content, exemplifies the potential benefits of Harada's expanded network. Further collaborations and innovative ideas for the Tekken franchise are anticipated as a result.