Tekken's Harada Explores New Industry Connections via LinkedIn
Rumors have circulated regarding Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada's potential departure from Bandai Namco, his employer of 30 years. These rumors stemmed from a LinkedIn post, noticed by Genki_JPN on X, where Harada indicated he was "#OpenToWork" and seeking new opportunities. He listed desired roles including Executive Producer, Game Director, Business Development, Vice President, or Marketing positions, all based in Tokyo. This sparked concern among fans about Harada's future and the Tekken franchise.
However, Harada swiftly addressed these concerns on X. He clarified that his LinkedIn activity wasn't a sign of leaving Bandai Namco, but rather a proactive effort to network and connect with more industry professionals. He explained his desire to expand his horizons and collaborate with a wider range of individuals. Activating the "#OpenToWork" feature on LinkedIn, he stated, simply facilitates these connections.
This news should reassure Tekken fans. Harada's expanded network could potentially lead to exciting new collaborations and innovations for the franchise, building upon the recent successful crossover with Final Fantasy XVI, which introduced Clive Rosfield as a playable character and added skins and accessories featuring other FFXVI characters. The future of Tekken looks bright, with Harada actively seeking to enhance the franchise through broadened industry relationships.