Tekken 8: Director Breaks Unseen Barrier at Bandai Namco

Tekken 8's director, Katsuhiro Harada, recently shared insights into his leadership style and its impact on his relationship with Bandai Namco. Known for his independent spirit and unwavering dedication to the Tekken franchise, Harada's approach, while admired by fans, hasn't always aligned perfectly with the company's structure. He openly admits his strong-willed nature occasionally clashed with colleagues and organizational norms.

Harada's rebellious streak is deeply rooted in his past. He recounts defying his parents' wishes to pursue a career in gaming, a path that initially caused them distress. Even within Bandai Namco, his nonconformity continued. He recounts a reassignment to a publishing role, which he disregarded to actively remain involved in the Tekken series, defying unspoken expectations for senior developers to transition solely into management. This decision placed him at odds with his assigned department and the established company hierarchy.

This independent spirit extended to his entire Tekken team, who Harada playfully refers to as "outlaws" due to their shared rebellious attitude. While their unconventional approach may have caused friction, Harada believes this unwavering commitment to the Tekken series is a key factor in its enduring success.

However, Harada's reign as the defiant leader of the Tekken Project may be nearing its end. He has indicated that Tekken 9 will be his final contribution to the video game industry before retirement. The future of the Tekken franchise and whether his successor can maintain the series' momentum remains to be seen.