Tekken 8 in Trouble? Harada Announces Exit Amidst Gameplay Controversy

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By Gaming News
9 December 2025 no comments

Katsuhiro Harada, the legendary producer of the Tekken series is leaving Bandai Namco

It is truly the end of an era for the Fighting Game Community. Katsuhiro Harada, the face and soul of the Tekken franchise for over 30 years, has officially announced he will leave Bandai Namco at the end of 2025. Here is why the legendary developer decided to step away now.

 

A Shocking Departure After 30 Years

Katsuhiro Harada is synonymous with Tekken. Having worked on every single entry since the series debuted in 1994, his influence on the fighting game genre is immeasurable.

However, the development chief has confirmed he will be departing both the series and the publisher at the end of this year.

In a heartfelt social media post, Harada explained that this wasn’t a snap decision. He cited personal reflections on his mortality and the time he has left as a creator.

The loss of close friends and colleagues recently forced him to re-evaluate his path.

 

The Influence of Ken Kutaragi

Before making this life-changing decision, Harada sought counsel from a gaming titan: PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi.

Harada describes Kutaragi as a father figure. He noted that the PlayStation icon gave him “invaluable encouragement and guidance” regarding his future.

Harada stated, “With the Tekken series reaching its 30th anniversary—an important milestone for a project I’ve devoted much of my life to—I felt this was the most fitting moment to bring one chapter to a close.”

He also assured fans that he hasn’t left the team high and dry. He has been gradually preparing the Tekken staff for this transition to ensure the studio can function without him.

 

Bandai Namco’s Response and Tekken 8

While Harada is moving on, Bandai Namco has quickly addressed the community to calm any fears regarding the current game.

In a separate statement, the publisher confirmed they remain fully committed to Tekken 8. They expressed deep gratitude for Harada’s decades of work, which also included titles like Pokkén Tournament and SoulCalibur.

However, the timing is delicate. Despite selling 3 million copies at launch, Tekken 8 has had a rough year in 2025.

 

Tekken 8: Gameplay Struggles & Controversy

The community has been vocal about their frustrations recently. While the game launched strong, several issues have plagued the title in recent months:

  • Gameplay Updates: Longtime fans have criticized recent patches that altered the meta significantly.
  • Character Changes: Adjustments to fan-favorite fighters were felt by many to be poorly implemented.
  • Monetization: The introduction of a controversial microtransaction system has soured the mood for many players.

Harada has not yet revealed what his next move is, promising to share his next steps at a later date. For now, the focus remains on stabilizing Tekken 8 as its creator says goodbye.

 

The Future of Bandai Namco Without Harada

Harada’s departure leaves a massive void at Bandai Namco. His personality and passion were as much a part of the game as the characters themselves.

Do you think Tekken can maintain its quality without Harada at the helm? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !

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