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Katsuhiro Harada to Leave Bandai Namco at End of 2025
A Defining Era Ends for One of Fighting Games’ Most Influential Creators
Few figures in the fighting-game industry are as synonymous with their series as Katsuhiro Harada is with Tekken. For almost 30 years, Harada has shaped the franchise from a scrappy PlayStation-era brawler into one of the most enduring and commercially successful fighters in the world.
His leadership guided the series through arcade dominance, console transitions, and the ambitious global push seen in Tekken 7 and Tekken 8, with the latter praised for its mechanics even as certain updates stirred community debate.
In a post shared on his X account, the key figure confirmed that he will officially leave Bandai Namco Entertainment at the end of 2025. He described the timing as deliberate: the milestone of Tekken’s 30th anniversary felt like the natural moment to close his chapter with the franchise. For him, the anniversary is not merely a marketing beat but a symbolic bookend to three decades of creative stewardship.
The announcement marks a significant turning point for Bandai Namco. Harada has long been the public face of Tekken, but also its architect, shaping narrative arcs, character identities, and stylistic direction with meticulous attention. His departure leaves behind a legacy few creators in fighting games can match.
Harada Has Been Preparing His Departure for Years
Harada noted that this decision was not made abruptly. According to his statement, he has spent the last five years gradually transferring responsibilities to other members of the development team. Areas such as story direction, world-building, and high-level creative decisions, historically overseen directly by the longtime creator, have already shifted toward a new internal leadership structure.
This slow handover reflects Harada’s intent to ensure Tekken continues without disruption. He explained that he wanted the franchise to be stable and self-sustaining, and emphasised confidence in the team that will shepherd the series into its next era. His message also included heartfelt gratitude to fans and the global Tekken community, crediting their dedication for the franchise’s enduring legacy.
His statement carries the tone of someone stepping away thoughtfully rather than abruptly, hinting that discussions and planning have been ongoing internally for some time.
What Comes Next for One of the Industry’s Most Recognisable Voices?
Before leaving Bandai Namco, Harada will make his final public appearance as Tekken 8’s chief producer at the Tekken World Tour event in January 2026. Beyond that, his next moves remain unknown. Harada has not yet said whether he intends to found his own studio, collaborate with another developer, or explore entirely new ventures in the games industry.
Given his influence, any new project would attract immediate attention—whether inside the fighting-game space or well beyond it. For now, speculation is all fans have, as one of gaming’s most iconic creators steps away from the series that defined his career.
