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," igniting speculation about a potential departure from Bandai Namco, his employer of three decades. The news, initially shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Genki_JPN, showed a screenshot of Harada's LinkedIn profile displaying the #OpenToWork tag and listing desired roles including Executive Producer, Game Director, Business Development, Vice President, and Marketing positions, all based in Tokyo.
This announcement caused considerable concern among fans worried about the future of the Tekken franchise. Numerous comments on the original post tagged Harada, seeking clarification.
Harada Addresses the Speculation
Ever active on social media, Harada swiftly addressed the rumors. He clarified that he's not leaving Bandai Namco, but rather seeking to expand his professional network and explore new collaborations within the industry. He explained that activating the "open to work" feature on LinkedIn is a means of connecting with more individuals. He stated his desire to meet more people and broaden his horizons.
Positive Implications for Tekken's Future
This initiative could prove beneficial for the Tekken franchise. Recent collaborations, such as the inclusion of Final Fantasy XVI's Clive Rosfield as a playable character (along with Jill, Joshua, and even Nektar the Moogle as cosmetic options), demonstrate the potential for enriching the series through external partnerships. Harada's expanded network may lead to even more exciting collaborations and innovative ideas for future Tekken installments.
