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," sparking rumors of a potential departure from Bandai Namco after a 30-year tenure. The news, initially reported by Genki_JPN on X (formerly Twitter), showed a screenshot of Harada's LinkedIn profile featuring the #OpenToWork designation and a list of desired roles including Executive Producer, Game Director, Business Development, Vice President, or Marketing positions, all based in Tokyo.
This announcement ignited concern among fans regarding Harada's future and the Tekken franchise. Many responded directly to Harada on social media seeking clarification.
Harada Quickly Addresses the Speculation
Ever active on X (Twitter), Harada swiftly addressed the swirling rumors. He clarified that he's not leaving Bandai Namco, but rather seeking to expand his professional network and collaborate with more individuals within the industry. He explained that activating the "open to work" feature on LinkedIn is a way to increase his professional connections.
Positive Implications for Tekken's Future
This proactive networking initiative by Harada could potentially lead to exciting new collaborations and creative input for the Tekken franchise. The recent successful crossover with Final Fantasy XVI, featuring Clive Rosfield as a playable character and additional content based on other FFXVI characters, demonstrates the potential benefits of such collaborations. Harada's expanded network may well inject fresh ideas and perspectives into future Tekken installments.