In a landmark announcement for the fighting game community, Katsuhiro Harada, the renowned executive producer and director behind the Tekken franchise, has confirmed he will step down from his role at Bandai Namco at the end of 2025.
Harada, often celebrated as the guiding force of Tekken, will bid farewell to a series he has shepherded for three decades, aligning his exit with the 30th anniversary of the legendary fighting game. Since its arcade debut in 1994, Tekken has become one of the most successful and influential fighting game franchises, recognized for its complex combat mechanics and a diverse cast of beloved characters.
Under Harada’s leadership, Tekken has reached numerous milestones, including multiple mainline entries, spin-offs, and crossovers with other gaming giants.
Notably, the series has maintained a prominent presence on various gaming platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, with Tekken Tag Tournament 2 standing out as a fan favorite among Nintendo devotees. Harada shared his decision in a heartfelt message on social media, reflecting on his early days fostering grassroots Tekken tournaments in Japanese arcades and community centers worldwide.
He recounted fond memories of personally engaging players and carrying arcade machines to new venues, experiences he described as foundational to his identity as a developer.
Harada further emphasized the impact these community interactions had on shaping both his career and Tekken's enduring appeal. "With Tekken approaching its 30th anniversary—a milestone in a project to which I have dedicated much of my life—I believe now is the right time to close this chapter," Harada conveyed.
He expressed gratitude to fans, the international community, and his colleagues, noting that the path forward has been informed by both personal reflection and professional counsel from industry luminaries such as Ken Kutaragi. Bandai Namco has reassured fans that Harada’s departure will not disrupt ongoing plans for the franchise.
The company confirmed via its official Tekken X account that development of downloadable content and updates for Tekken 8 will continue uninterrupted.
Harada is also scheduled to appear as a guest at the Tekken World Tour 2025 finals in Sweden and has announced a special farewell DJ mix, "TEKKEN: A 30-Year Journey – Harada’s Final Mix," released on SoundCloud to commemorate his legacy. Throughout his career at Bandai Namco, Harada contributed to a wide range of influential titles, including VR projects like Summer Lesson, the crossover hit Pokkén Tournament, and the SoulCalibur series.
His innovative approach to game design and worldbuilding has left a lasting mark on the gaming industry. For fans, Harada’s influence will endure in the ongoing evolution of Tekken and in the unforgettable moments shared through a series that helped define modern fighting games.
As Bandai Namco and the Tekken development team look ahead, the community can anticipate celebrating Harada’s achievements throughout 2025—and perhaps enjoy Tekken’s signature blend of skill and spectacle on Nintendo hardware for years to come.
Harada, often celebrated as the guiding force of Tekken, will bid farewell to a series he has shepherded for three decades, aligning his exit with the 30th anniversary of the legendary fighting game. Since its arcade debut in 1994, Tekken has become one of the most successful and influential fighting game franchises, recognized for its complex combat mechanics and a diverse cast of beloved characters.
Under Harada’s leadership, Tekken has reached numerous milestones, including multiple mainline entries, spin-offs, and crossovers with other gaming giants.
Notably, the series has maintained a prominent presence on various gaming platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, with Tekken Tag Tournament 2 standing out as a fan favorite among Nintendo devotees. Harada shared his decision in a heartfelt message on social media, reflecting on his early days fostering grassroots Tekken tournaments in Japanese arcades and community centers worldwide.
He recounted fond memories of personally engaging players and carrying arcade machines to new venues, experiences he described as foundational to his identity as a developer.
Harada further emphasized the impact these community interactions had on shaping both his career and Tekken's enduring appeal. "With Tekken approaching its 30th anniversary—a milestone in a project to which I have dedicated much of my life—I believe now is the right time to close this chapter," Harada conveyed.
He expressed gratitude to fans, the international community, and his colleagues, noting that the path forward has been informed by both personal reflection and professional counsel from industry luminaries such as Ken Kutaragi. Bandai Namco has reassured fans that Harada’s departure will not disrupt ongoing plans for the franchise.
The company confirmed via its official Tekken X account that development of downloadable content and updates for Tekken 8 will continue uninterrupted.
Harada is also scheduled to appear as a guest at the Tekken World Tour 2025 finals in Sweden and has announced a special farewell DJ mix, "TEKKEN: A 30-Year Journey – Harada’s Final Mix," released on SoundCloud to commemorate his legacy. Throughout his career at Bandai Namco, Harada contributed to a wide range of influential titles, including VR projects like Summer Lesson, the crossover hit Pokkén Tournament, and the SoulCalibur series.
His innovative approach to game design and worldbuilding has left a lasting mark on the gaming industry. For fans, Harada’s influence will endure in the ongoing evolution of Tekken and in the unforgettable moments shared through a series that helped define modern fighting games.
As Bandai Namco and the Tekken development team look ahead, the community can anticipate celebrating Harada’s achievements throughout 2025—and perhaps enjoy Tekken’s signature blend of skill and spectacle on Nintendo hardware for years to come.
