Tekken 8 director Katsuhiro Harada's unwavering dedication to the series clashed with Bandai Namco's internal structure, revealing a fascinating story of a maverick leader. Harada, known for his rebellious spirit and unflinching stance against fan criticism, admits his strong-willed approach wasn't always understood by the company, sometimes even causing unintentional friction with colleagues.

Harada's rebellious streak dates back to his youth, where his parents' disapproval of gaming led him to secretly play at friends' houses and arcades. His career in the games industry, also against their wishes, initially caused his parents to weep, showcasing his determined pursuit of his passion.

Even after achieving seniority at Bandai Namco, Harada's independent nature remained. He defied unspoken company norms by actively shaping the future of Tekken, despite being assigned to a different department—global business development—and the expectation that senior developers transition to management roles.

This rebellious spirit extended to the entire Tekken development team. Harada refers to them as "outlaws" within Bandai Namco, a group known for their unwavering commitment to the Tekken franchise, a devotion Harada believes is key to the series' enduring success.

However, Harada hints that his reign as the rebellious head of the Tekken Project may soon conclude. He suggests Tekken 9 will be his final contribution to the video game industry before retirement, leaving his legacy and the future of Tekken in the hands of his successor. Only time will tell if that successor can match Harada's impact.