Katsuhiro Harada, the longtime director and producer of the Tekken franchise, has announced that he will leave Bandai Namco at the end of 2025, closing a defining chapter in one of gaming’s most enduring fighting series. Harada shared the news directly through his X account, framing the decision as a personal milestone aligned with Tekken’s 30th anniversary. His message reflected on the decades he spent building the franchise and on the community that grew around it, while also hinting that he will discuss his next steps at a later date.
In his statement, Harada said he viewed the anniversary as the most fitting moment to bring one chapter of his career to an end. He recalled his early years supporting small local arcade tournaments, carrying cabinets on his own, and inviting players to try Tekken for the first time. Those experiences, he noted, shaped his identity as a developer and continued to influence him even as the franchise’s tournament presence grew internationally. He also spoke candidly about the personal losses he experienced in recent years and how they prompted him to reflect on the time he has left as a creator. Harada added that he consulted Ken Kutaragi during this period, crediting him with providing support that helped solidify the decision.
Harada explained that he has spent the past four to five years gradually handing off responsibilities, including oversight of Tekken’s story and worldbuilding, to the team at Bandai Namco. He highlighted his involvement in a wide range of projects over his career, from VR titles like Summer Lesson to Pokkén Tournament and SoulCalibur. His goodbye message concluded with gratitude for colleagues and fans, along with a postscript announcing that he will appear as a guest at the Tekken World Tour 2025 Global Finals. He also released a 60-minute Tekken DJ-style nonstop mix titled Tekken: A 30 Year Journey – Harada’s Final Mix.
Shortly after Harada’s announcement, the official Tekken account issued a statement acknowledging his departure and affirming that the series will continue under its established development structure. The Tekken Project Team emphasized that ongoing support for Tekken 8 remains a priority and that community feedback will continue to shape updates and future content. They assured fans that the franchise’s direction will honor the framework Harada helped establish across three decades.
Tekken 8, released in January 2024, represents the latest evolution of the series’ long-running Mishima storyline, built on Unreal Engine 5 and featuring a combat system centered on the new Heat mechanic. The franchise first debuted in 1994 and has grown into the longest-running 3D fighting game series, selling more than 61 million copies worldwide. With Harada preparing for his post-Bandai Namco phase, the Tekken team now faces the task of guiding the franchise into its next era while preserving the foundation he spent his career shaping.
