Tekken veteran Katsuhiro Harada has announced his departure from Bandai Namco after three decades.
Sharing the news on social media, Harada said that recent events made him “reflect on the ‘time I have left as a creator'” and that the 30th anniversary of the Tekken franchise was “the most fitting moment to bring one chapter to a close.”
“In recent years, I experienced the loss of several close friends in my personal life, and in my professional life I witnessed the retirement or passing of many senior colleagues whom I deeply respect,” he wrote.
“During that period, I sought advice from Ken Kutaragi – whom I respect as though he were another father – and received invaluable encouragement and guidance. His words quietly supported me in making this decision.”
Harada added that “over the past four to five years” he has “gradually handed over all [his] responsibilities” to the wider Tekken team, alongside the “stories and worldbuilding” he oversaw.
“Looking back, I was fortunate to work on an extraordinary variety of projects,” he recalled. “Each project was full of new discoveries and learning, and every one of them became an irreplaceable experience for me.
“To everyone who has supported me, to communities around the world, and to all the colleagues who have walked alongside me for so many years, I offer my deepest gratitude.”
Harada joined Bandai Namco in the early 90s rising the ranks to become the franchise’s director and chief producer.
