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Katsuhiro Harada announced on December 8, 2025, that he would leave Bandai Namco at the end of the year. He framed the timing around Tekken’s 30th anniversary and the feeling that a chapter was closing—not a stated dispute or retirement. Tekken Project was to continue the series’ operation and development. Since then, Harada has become CEO of VS Studio SNK, a studio established in May 2026.
When did Harada leave Bandai Namco?
Harada’s announcement came on December 8, 2025, and said he would leave at the end of that year. Famitsu reproduced the announcement and his statement in Japanese. Famitsu’s report
The “30 years” refers to his company tenure, as described in SNK’s 2026 career summary. It is distinct from Tekken’s 30th anniversary: Bandai Namco dates the original arcade game to 1994, making December 2024 the franchise’s 30-year mark. SNK’s announcement Bandai Namco Holdings’ 2024 Integrated Report
Why did he say the timing was right?
Harada connected his decision with Tekken reaching its 30th anniversary, describing the milestone as a fitting moment to close a chapter. That is his stated framing; the announcement does not establish another cause, such as a disagreement with Bandai Namco or dissatisfaction with the series.
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- Amazon Launch Edition includes Jin’s Jacket Controller Skin. Correct controller skin application will not affect controller functionality or performance. *While supplies last*
- Both new and returning characters (32) are stunningly portrayed in high-detailed character models
- TEKKEN 8 continues the tragic saga of the Mishima and Kazama bloodlines and their world-shaking father-and-son grudge matches
- TEKKEN 8 will feature exciting new gameplay focused on “Aggressive” tactics including the new “Heat System”
- In the new single-player mode ‘Arcade Quest’, players can create their own avatar and conquer their rivals in a variety of different arcades
The anniversary came amid a major moment for the franchise. Tekken 8 launched on home consoles in January 2024. Bandai Namco described it as the first numbered Tekken released globally on home consoles simultaneously without an earlier arcade launch. The company reported that the game shipped one million copies worldwide on release day and exceeded two million over the following month; the day-one figure is shipments, not a confirmed consumer sell-through total. Bandai Namco Holdings’ 2024 Integrated Report
Who took over Tekken development?
The Tekken Project team was named to carry forward the series’ operation and development, including Tekken 8. Harada said he had gradually handed over responsibilities—including story and worldbuilding—over the preceding four to five years. His departure therefore did not mean Tekken was ending, and the announcement did not identify a single successor to him as the person responsible for the entire franchise. Famitsu’s report
Rank #2
- Choose from over 30 characters to stand with or against, and prepare for amazing two-man combat
- Tag-team fighting action as you switch out fighters & let them rest while you play
- New moves and combos -- you'll need them, because rounds end after one of your two fighters have bee
- Unlock 12 great new players and a ton of mini-games as you play and win
- Fully rendered 3D characters and interesting personal stories recreate the feel & style of the arcad
What is Harada doing now?
SNK says VS Studio SNK was established on May 1, 2026, and announced on May 13 that Harada would lead it as Representative Director and CEO. SNK said it would support the studio and collaborate with it on game software development. Harada described the studio’s philosophy as “Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection.” SNK’s press release
The May announcement describes the studio’s remit in general terms, not a specific game. It is not evidence of a named project, a new Tekken game under Harada, or an SNK-Tekken crossover.
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Rank #3
- COMPLETE BOOSTER DISPLAY — Includes 24 factory-sealed UniVersus TEKKEN 8 booster packs designed for collectors, deck building and organized play.
- 11 CARDS PER PACK — Every booster contains one character card, six Common cards, three Uncommon cards and one Rare, Ultra Rare or Secret Rare card.
- TEKKEN 8 CHARACTERS — Features 14 playable characters inspired by the TEKKEN 8 roster, providing new deck-building and gameplay possibilities.
- NEW GAME MECHANICS — Introduces the momentum-driven Heat mechanic and Arena cards representing recognizable TEKKEN 8 fighting stages.
- ENGLISH EDITION — Contains 264 randomly assorted English-language cards across 24 packs. Specific cards, characters, rarities and serialized cards are not guaranteed.
Why does the change matter to Tekken fans?
Harada was a prominent public figure in the series, but the handover he described and the team’s stated continuation of development are more informative about the franchise’s immediate continuity than speculation about one person’s departure. Bandai Namco’s 2024 report also indicates Tekken’s international reach: it said more than 95% of Tekken 7 sales were overseas. Bandai Namco Holdings’ 2024 Integrated Report
Harada’s new role is a separate development at SNK’s group. SNK has announced a studio and a broad collaboration framework, but its May 2026 announcement does not name a title or release plan. That leaves the specific games VS Studio may make unconfirmed.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
![Tekken 3 - (PS1) PlayStation 1 [Pre-Owned]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51hjX-Tpk+L._SL160_.jpg)
- 1-2 Players
- Rated "T" - Animated Violence
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