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Game Director for Tekken 7 and 8 Leaves Bandai Namco After 20 Years
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Game Director for Tekken 7 and 8 Leaves Bandai Namco After 20 Years

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Kohei ‘Nakatsu’ Ikeda, game director on Tekken 7 and 8, has left Bandai Namco after 20 years at the company.

His exit comes hot on the heels of Tekken legend Katsuhiro Harada’s exit to form a new video game company.

“There were joyful moments, and many difficult ones as well,” Ikeda said in a farewell message posted on social media. “There were times when we celebrated together, and times when I received passionate criticism and encouragement. Yet every one of those moments helped push both myself and the Tekken Project forward.”

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Ikeda didn’t say what he plans to do next, but most fans are speculating that he is set to rejoin Harada at his new venture, VS Studio, which has partnered with SNK Corporation.

The Tekken community is now left wondering what’s in store for the fighting game franchise. Just last week Bandai Namco delighted fans by announcing Yujiro Hanma from the Baki manga and anime franchise as the guest character of the Tekken 8 Season 3 Pass, which ends early 2027 with his arrival. But with both Harada and now Ikeda out of Bandai Namco, will fans get a Tekken 9? If so, what might it look like?

Certainly, Tekken fans have had a rough relationship with Bandai Namco in recent years, criticising various aspects of the game and balance changes. Harada has spoken publicly about his difficult relationship with both the Tekken franchise and Bandai Namco, stepping in multiple times on social media to respond to fan concern, including the time he addressed a row over the sale of premium stage DLC.

“Makes me worried about the fate of Tekken 9,” said one concerned fan, responding to Ikeda’s departure. “The franchise might have to take a bit of a break after this game,” another suggested. “This game has definitely been a nightmare for developers AND players.”

Bandai Namco itself has yet to say what’s in store for Tekken beyond Tekken 8 Season 3.

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.