Tekken Director Katsuhiro Harada Weighs In on the Series' Future
Katsuhiro Harada, the long-standing director of the Tekken series, has shared his thoughts on the franchise's future, expressing confidence that it can thrive even without his direct involvement. Speaking with Eurogamer at Evo 2025, Harada hinted at the possibility of the next installment being his last before he focuses on other endeavors.
Gameplay Over Personal Leadership
Harada emphasized that the sustainability of a game series largely depends on its core mechanics. While story and characters are important, he believes Tekken’s strength lies in its fundamental gameplay. "Yes, people like the characters and the story, but at its heart, it’s a 3D fighting game where you launch your opponent and perform aerial combos," Harada explained. "Over the past 30 years, we’ve refined the gameplay; everything is already established, so someone else can certainly continue the work."
Evolving Community Engagement
Harada and game designer Michael Murray are well-known for their active presence within the Tekken community, often traveling globally to understand different cultures and gather feedback. This approach directly influenced new characters, such as Tekken 8's Azucena, who emerged after the team's trip to Madagascar. However, Harada is unsure if such direct, personal engagement is essential for future titles. He noted that while he and Murray are public faces for Tekken, other successful fighting games manage without a singular associated figure.
"When we started engaging with the community, Evo was much smaller, tournaments were smaller, and the community itself was smaller," Harada reflected. "This coincided with arcade halls disappearing worldwide. We asked ourselves: where can we meet our audience and understand what they want? Personally, we felt it was right to attend events, meet people, and gather a broad range of opinions to understand how to develop the game."
Murray elaborated on this point, highlighting the shift from a pre-internet era, where in-person meetings were crucial. Today, communication channels are vastly different. "I think at every moment, you have to make the best decision based on the circumstances," Murray stated. "Personally, I’m not sure we will continue to operate the same way we always have. And yes, I don’t get paid to talk to people online," he quipped.
What This Means for Tekken's Future
While the idea of Tekken without Harada might seem unusual given his long tenure, his willingness to explore other projects, such as Shadow Labyrinth, suggests a potential gradual transition. The key question for many fans is whether the series can maintain its momentum and unique identity without its long-standing leader. For now, Harada remains at the helm, with Tekken 8 continuing to receive updates. Fans can look forward to the return of the legendary Armor King in October. Tekken 8 is currently available on PC (Steam), Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5.
Harada's comments offer a clear vision of Tekken's resilience. His belief in the game's fundamental gameplay strength, rather than an individual's perpetual leadership, suggests a future where the series can evolve and thrive under new stewardship. Players can rest assured that the foundational elements they love are deeply embedded, promising continued quality for years to come.
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