Katsuhiro Harada, the director of Tekken 8, recently shared insights into his leadership style and its impact on his relationship with Bandai Namco. Known for his unwavering dedication to the Tekken franchise and a somewhat rebellious approach, Harada's methods haven't always aligned with the company's norms. His strong-willed personality, honed from a childhood spent defying his parents' wishes to pursue gaming, has carried over into his professional life.

Initially, Harada's career choice in the video game industry, specifically joining Bandai Namco as an arcade game promoter, was met with tears from his parents. Even after achieving seniority within Bandai Namco, his independent spirit remained. He defied an unspoken company rule by actively participating in the future direction of the Tekken series, despite being assigned to global business development and operating outside the Tekken development team.

This independent streak extended to his team. Harada revealed that he and the Tekken development team were labeled "outlaws" by other company executives due to their strong-willed nature and commitment to the franchise. He believes this dedication has been crucial to the Tekken series' enduring success.

However, Harada's reign as the rebellious leader of the Tekken Project may be nearing its end. He's stated that Tekken 9 will be his final game before retirement. The future of the Tekken franchise and whether his successor can maintain the series' legacy remains to be seen.