Bandai’s Veteran Developer: “TEKKEN is Completely Finished”
Katsuhiro Harada, who has worked under the Bandai Namco umbrella for over 30 years and is synonymous with the TEKKEN series, officially announced his departure from the company at the end of 2025, bidding farewell to the series. In a social media post, Harada clearly stated that he is no longer the developer or creator of TEKKEN, an announcement that has caused a stir in the gaming world.
An Era Officially Ends for TEKKEN
In his post as 2026 approached, Harada stated, “I am no longer the developer or creator of the TEKKEN series,” putting an end to long-standing questions. This announcement has sparked discussions about the future of the series, and comments suggest that Harada’s departure carries significant symbolic meaning.
The news of his departure from Bandai Namco was actually announced in early December 2025. Harada stated that after TEKKEN’s 30th anniversary, this was the right time for him to say goodbye, and that he wanted to close a chapter in the project to which he had dedicated a large part of his life. This announcement was met with both emotional and respectful messages from fans.
Fans of the series left both humorous and nostalgic comments under Harada’s post. Some players, referencing the “death and return” characters in the TEKKEN universe, hinted that he might return one day, while others thanked Harada, expressing their gratitude for his contributions to the series.
Harada, who played a major role in the creative vision of the series since Tekken 3’s release in 1997, was not only behind the games but also one of the names behind TEKKEN’s transformation into a global esports brand. Harada, who is expected to make his final appearances on the TEKKEN stage at several upcoming esports events, sees this farewell as the end of an unforgettable era in the gaming world.
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