Tekken 8 Director Shatters Norm

Tekken 8 director Katsuhiro Harada's unwavering commitment to the franchise has sometimes clashed with Bandai Namco's internal structure. Known for his rebellious streak and refusal to compromise, even when facing fan backlash, Harada's approach, while endearing to fans, wasn't always understood within the company. His career in gaming itself defied his parents' wishes, initially causing them distress.

Even after achieving seniority at Bandai Namco, Harada's independent spirit remained. Despite a reassignment to a publishing role, he actively continued shaping the future of Tekken, defying the typical trajectory of developers transitioning to management. This involved working outside his official responsibilities and department.

This rebellious attitude extended to his team, leading to the "outlaw" label from other company executives. However, Harada believes this unwavering dedication to the Tekken series is key to its enduring success.

Harada's reign as the maverick leader of the Tekken Project may be ending soon, with Tekken 9 potentially his final game. His successor will face the challenge of maintaining the legacy he's built.