Another Tekken Legend Departs Bandai Namco as Kohei Ikeda Exits
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Tekken 7 and Tekken 8 game director Kohei Ikeda is leaving Bandai Namco, following franchise head Katsuhiro Harada's departure last year.
The leadership shakeup at Bandai Namco continues to send ripples through the fighting game community. Following the major departure of franchise head Katsuhiro Harada last year, Kohei Ikeda has officially announced he is leaving the company. Ikeda served as the game director for both Tekken 7 and Tekken 8, playing a massive role in shaping the modern identity of the beloved fighting game franchise since joining Bandai Namco back in 2007.
In a heartfelt departure message, Ikeda reflected on his journey from a dedicated fighting game fan to leading one of the industry's most enduring series. This exit naturally sparks speculation about his next move, especially since Harada recently joined SNK Corporation to establish a new studio called VSStudioSNK. Industry watchers are already wondering if the veteran director will reunite with his longtime collaborator for this new venture, as bringing key team members along is a common playbook in major studio transitions.
Despite these high-profile departures, the Tekken franchise is pushing forward. Tekken 8 recently generated significant buzz and a boost in sales by announcing Yujiro Hanma from the Baki franchise as a guest fighter for its third season. For players, leadership changes at the top always bring a mix of uncertainty and curiosity about the future, but the enduring popularity of the genre proves that fighting games remain a vital cornerstone of modern multiplayer gaming. You can read the original reporting over at Polygon.
Tags: Tekken 8, Bandai Namco, Fighting Games, Industry News, Polygon
Original article: Polygon