Tekken's Harada explores new professional avenues on LinkedIn, sparking speculation.
Departure from Bandai Namco?
Reports surfaced, originating from a Japanese gaming news account on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing a LinkedIn post by Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada. The post indicated Harada's openness to new opportunities and positions, including Executive Producer, Game Director, Business Development roles, Vice President, or Marketing positions, all based in Tokyo. This fueled rumors of a potential departure from Bandai Namco, his employer of 30 years and the birthplace of the Tekken franchise. Fan concern quickly followed.
Harada Clarifies: No Cause for Alarm
Harada, known for his active social media presence on X, swiftly addressed the speculation. He clarified that his LinkedIn activity wasn't indicative of leaving Bandai Namco. Instead, he expressed a desire to expand his professional network and collaborate with more individuals within the gaming industry. He stated that activating the "Open to Work" feature on LinkedIn simply facilitates more connections.
This news should reassure Tekken fans. The recent successful collaboration between Tekken 8 and Final Fantasy 16, introducing Clive Rosfield as a playable character alongside various other FF16-themed cosmetics, demonstrates the franchise's potential for growth and exciting partnerships. Harada's networking efforts promise to inject further innovation and creativity into the Tekken series.
