Tekken Director Katsuhiro Harada's LinkedIn Activity Sparks Speculation
Katsuhiro Harada, the renowned director of the 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 reported by Genki_JPN on X (formerly Twitter), showed a screenshot of Harada's LinkedIn profile featuring the #OpenToWork tag. His post advertised his availability for roles such as Executive Producer, Game Director, Business Development, Vice President, or Marketing positions, all based in Tokyo. This sparked concern among fans regarding Harada's future and the Tekken franchise.
Harada Addresses the Rumors
Responding swiftly via X, Harada allayed fans' concerns, clarifying that he's not leaving Bandai Namco. He explained that his LinkedIn update was simply a means of networking and expanding his professional connections within the industry. He stated his desire to meet more people and broaden his horizons, emphasizing that the LinkedIn feature facilitates these connections.
Future Implications for Tekken
This proactive networking initiative could potentially lead to exciting new collaborations and innovations for the Tekken franchise. The recent successful crossover with Final Fantasy XVI, featuring Clive Rosfield as a playable character and additional content, demonstrates the positive impact of such collaborations. Harada's expanded network may well inject fresh ideas and perspectives into future Tekken installments.