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" and seeking new opportunities. This sparked immediate speculation online, with many fearing his departure from Bandai Namco, his employer for 30 years. The news was initially shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the Japanese gaming news account Genki_JPN. Harada's LinkedIn profile lists desired roles including Executive Producer, Game Director, Business Development, Vice President, or Marketing positions, all based in Tokyo.
Harada Addresses the Speculation
Quickly responding to the flurry of concerned fan comments on X, Harada clarified the situation. He emphasized that he isn't leaving Bandai Namco, but rather aims to expand his professional network and collaborate with more individuals within the gaming industry. He explained that activating the "open to work" feature on LinkedIn is a means to achieve this goal.
Positive Implications for Tekken's Future
This proactive networking could have positive consequences for the Tekken franchise. Recent collaborations, such as the inclusion of Final Fantasy XVI's Clive Rosfield as a playable character in Tekken 8, demonstrate the benefits of industry cross-pollination. Harada's broadened connections may lead to even more innovative collaborations and exciting developments for future Tekken installments.
