Tekken 8 director Katsuhiro Harada's unwavering dedication to the franchise has sometimes clashed with Bandai Namco's corporate structure. Known for his rebellious streak and refusal to compromise, even facing fan backlash, Harada's approach hasn't always been fully embraced within the company. His commitment to Tekken, even defying expectations, has occasionally strained relationships with colleagues.
Harada's independent spirit is rooted in his youth, where his parents initially disapproved of his gaming passion and even his career choice at Bandai Namco. Despite their initial reservations, they've since accepted his success.
Even after achieving seniority and a reassignment to Bandai Namco's publishing division as head of global business development, Harada defied unspoken rules. He actively participated in Tekken's future development, bucking the trend of developers transitioning solely to management roles, despite it falling outside his official responsibilities.
This rebellious spirit extended to his entire Tekken team, whom Harada jokingly refers to as "outlaws" within Bandai Namco. Their unwavering commitment to the Tekken series, however, has undeniably contributed to its ongoing success.
However, Harada's reign as Tekken's rebellious leader may be nearing its end. He's stated that Tekken 9 will be his final project before retirement. The future of the franchise and whether his successor can maintain the series' legacy remains to be seen.
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