Katsuhiro Harada, widely revered as the driving force behind Tekken, has officially announced his departure from Bandai Namco, marking the end of a pivotal era in fighting game history.
Harada’s exit is scheduled for the end of 2025, coinciding with Tekken’s 30th anniversary—a momentous milestone for a franchise that has defined competitive gaming and captivated fans for decades. Harada’s journey with Bandai Namco began in the early 1990s, where he emerged as a central figure in Tekken’s development.
Rising through the ranks from humble beginnings supporting grassroots tournaments in Japanese arcades to commanding the global stage, Harada’s career is inextricably linked with the evolution of the Tekken series and Bandai Namco’s success as a leading game developer. In a farewell statement published on December 8, 2025, Harada explained the deeply personal decision to leave the company: "With Tekken reaching its 30th anniversary—a project to which I have devoted much of my life—I felt this was the most appropriate moment to bring one chapter to a close." Reflecting on his early days, Harada credited his time in local tournaments and interactions with the fighting game community as formative experiences that shaped his identity as a creator.
He described fond memories of encouraging players to try Tekken, transporting arcade cabinets himself, and forming close friendships with fans and competitors alike. Over the past several years, Harada has gradually transitioned his responsibilities and the creative vision of the Tekken universe to the next generation of developers.
He highlighted the privilege of working beyond Tekken, referencing celebrated projects such as Summer Lesson (VR title), Pokkén Tournament—a popular fighter blending Pokémon with Tekken’s mechanics—and the enduring SoulCalibur series.
Each project, he noted, has contributed indelibly to his growth as a game developer. Personal loss and the retirement or passing of respected colleagues played significant roles in Harada’s decision.
He acknowledged heartfelt discussions with Ken Kutaragi, often dubbed the "father of PlayStation," whose encouragement and advice were instrumental during his reflection on the future. While formal duties at Bandai Namco will conclude at the end of 2025, Harada will make a guest appearance at the Tekken World Tour (TWT) Finals in January 2026 by special invitation.
To commemorate his farewell, Harada is also releasing a special, personally edited 60-minute DJ-style nonstop mix—'TEKKEN: A 30-Year Journey – Harada’s Final Mix'—available on SoundCloud, serving as a musical tribute to his three-decade tenure. Throughout his statement, Harada expressed deep gratitude to supporters, communities worldwide, and colleagues who have accompanied him along this remarkable journey.
While he has yet to announce his future plans, Harada’s legacy as Tekken’s creative steward and ambassador to the fighting game community remains unmatched.
Fans and industry peers alike await his next move, confident his contributions to gaming will continue to inspire. For more updates on Bandai Namco, Tekken, and developments in the world of game creators, stay tuned to our coverage.
Harada’s exit is scheduled for the end of 2025, coinciding with Tekken’s 30th anniversary—a momentous milestone for a franchise that has defined competitive gaming and captivated fans for decades. Harada’s journey with Bandai Namco began in the early 1990s, where he emerged as a central figure in Tekken’s development.
Rising through the ranks from humble beginnings supporting grassroots tournaments in Japanese arcades to commanding the global stage, Harada’s career is inextricably linked with the evolution of the Tekken series and Bandai Namco’s success as a leading game developer. In a farewell statement published on December 8, 2025, Harada explained the deeply personal decision to leave the company: "With Tekken reaching its 30th anniversary—a project to which I have devoted much of my life—I felt this was the most appropriate moment to bring one chapter to a close." Reflecting on his early days, Harada credited his time in local tournaments and interactions with the fighting game community as formative experiences that shaped his identity as a creator.
He described fond memories of encouraging players to try Tekken, transporting arcade cabinets himself, and forming close friendships with fans and competitors alike. Over the past several years, Harada has gradually transitioned his responsibilities and the creative vision of the Tekken universe to the next generation of developers.
He highlighted the privilege of working beyond Tekken, referencing celebrated projects such as Summer Lesson (VR title), Pokkén Tournament—a popular fighter blending Pokémon with Tekken’s mechanics—and the enduring SoulCalibur series.
Each project, he noted, has contributed indelibly to his growth as a game developer. Personal loss and the retirement or passing of respected colleagues played significant roles in Harada’s decision.
He acknowledged heartfelt discussions with Ken Kutaragi, often dubbed the "father of PlayStation," whose encouragement and advice were instrumental during his reflection on the future. While formal duties at Bandai Namco will conclude at the end of 2025, Harada will make a guest appearance at the Tekken World Tour (TWT) Finals in January 2026 by special invitation.
To commemorate his farewell, Harada is also releasing a special, personally edited 60-minute DJ-style nonstop mix—'TEKKEN: A 30-Year Journey – Harada’s Final Mix'—available on SoundCloud, serving as a musical tribute to his three-decade tenure. Throughout his statement, Harada expressed deep gratitude to supporters, communities worldwide, and colleagues who have accompanied him along this remarkable journey.
While he has yet to announce his future plans, Harada’s legacy as Tekken’s creative steward and ambassador to the fighting game community remains unmatched.
Fans and industry peers alike await his next move, confident his contributions to gaming will continue to inspire. For more updates on Bandai Namco, Tekken, and developments in the world of game creators, stay tuned to our coverage.
