View source for News/Bandai Namco to Lose Katsuhiro Harada

{{News
|seo_title=Bandai Namco to Lose Katsuhiro Harada
|seo_keywords=Bandai Namco
|image=Tekken8123.jpg
|tags=Bandai Namco
|date=2025-12-09T13:54:56.000Z
|sources={{NewsSource
|source=Polygon
|url=https://www.polygon.com/tekken-boss-katsuhiro-harada-leaves-bandai-namco-techno-mix/#:~:text=Katsuhiro%20Harada%2C%20the%20game%20developer,since%20its%20inception%20in%201994.
|article=News/Bandai Namco to Lose Katsuhiro Harada
}}
|author=Andura
|category=Hires
|content=Katsuhiro Harada, the longtime leader of the Tekken franchise, will leave Bandai Namco when 2025 ends. Harada has been with the company for nearly thirty years, helping shape Tekken into one of the most influential fighting game series in the world. He served as executive game director and chief producer for the franchise.

Harada announced his departure in a message on X, where he spoke about the series’ impact on his life and career. He said Tekken grew from the same community spaces where he first supported small arcade tournaments.

"My roots lie in the days when I supported small local tournaments in Japanese arcades and in small halls and community centers overseas. I still remember carrying arcade cabinets by myself, encouraging people to 'Please try Tekken,' and directly facing the players right in front of me. The conversations and atmosphere we shared in those places became the core of who I am as a developer and game creator," he wrote.

"Even as the times changed, those experiences have remained at the center of my identity. And even after the tournament scene grew much larger, many of you continued to treat me like an old friend—challenging me at venues, inviting me out for drinks at bars. Those memories are also deeply precious to me."

Harada said he has been preparing for his exit for several years by passing responsibilities to other team members. With Tekken nearing its 30th anniversary, he believes the timing is right to step aside.

He also reflected on his work beyond Tekken, including projects such as Pokken Tournament, SoulCalibur, and the VR title Summer Lesson.

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}}