Tekken 8 director Katsuhiro Harada's unwavering dedication to the series sometimes clashed with Bandai Namco's internal structure. Known for his rebellious spirit and refusal to compromise, even facing fan backlash, Harada's approach wasn't always understood within the company. His commitment to Tekken, even unintentionally, sometimes strained relationships with colleagues.
Harada's independent streak began early. He revealed in an interview with the late Satoru Iwata how his parents initially disapproved of his gaming passion and his subsequent career in the video game industry, even shedding tears when he joined Bandai Namco as an arcade game promoter.
His rebellious nature persisted even after gaining seniority. Harada recounted on Twitter his reassignment to Bandai Namco's publishing division as head of global business development. He defied unspoken company norms by continuing his involvement in Tekken's development, bucking the trend of developers transitioning solely to management roles. This was despite Tekken not being his official responsibility and working outside his assigned department.
The Tekken Team: Bandai Namco's "Outlaws"
Harada's rebellious spirit seemingly influenced his Tekken team. He described them as "outlaws" in the eyes of other company executives, a group known for their independent spirit. However, this unwavering dedication to the Tekken franchise likely contributed significantly to its enduring success.
Harada's reign as Tekken's rebellious leader may be ending, as he indicated Tekken 9 will be his final project before retirement. Whether his successor can match his legacy remains to be seen.
