Tekken Director Vows Loyalty, Quashes Job Rumors

Tekken Director Katsuhiro Harada's LinkedIn Activity Sparks Speculation

Katsuhiro Harada, the director of the renowned Tekken fighting game series, recently updated his LinkedIn profile, indicating he's "open to work," igniting speculation about a potential departure from Bandai Namco, his employer of three decades.

The news, initially reported by Genki_JPN on X (formerly Twitter), showcased a screenshot of Harada's LinkedIn profile displaying the "#OpenToWork" tag and a job search encompassing roles such as Executive Producer, Game Director, Business Development, Vice President, or Marketing positions, all based in Tokyo. This prompted considerable fan concern regarding Harada's future and the Tekken franchise.

Harada swiftly addressed the swirling rumors on X, reassuring fans that he's not leaving Bandai Namco. He clarified that his LinkedIn activity is simply a means of expanding his professional network and collaborating with more individuals within the gaming industry. He expressed a desire to broaden his horizons and meet more people, explaining that activating the "#OpenToWork" feature facilitates these connections on the platform.

This development offers a positive outlook for Tekken fans. Harada's expanded network could potentially lead to exciting new collaborations and fresh ideas for the franchise, building upon the recent successful crossover with Final Fantasy XVI, which introduced Clive Rosfield as a playable character and added skins and accessories featuring other FFXVI characters. The future of Tekken appears bright with Harada actively seeking to enrich his professional connections.