Kohei ‘Nakatsu’ Ikeda, recreation director on Tekken 7 and 8, has left Bandai Namco after 20 years on the firm.
His exit comes sizzling on the heels of Tekken legend Katsuhiro Harada’s exit to kind a brand new online game firm.
“There have been joyful moments, and many tough ones as properly,” Ikeda mentioned in a farewell message posted on social media. “There have been instances after we celebrated collectively, and instances after I obtained passionate criticism and encouragement. But each a kind of moments helped push each myself and the Tekken Challenge ahead.”
Ikeda didn’t say what he plans to do subsequent, however most followers are speculating that he’s set to rejoin Harada at his new enterprise, VS Studio, which has partnered with SNK Company.
The Tekken neighborhood is now left questioning what’s in retailer for the preventing recreation franchise. Simply final week Bandai Namco delighted followers by asserting Yujiro Hanma from the Baki manga and anime franchise because the visitor character of the Tekken 8 Season 3 Move, which ends early 2027 together with his arrival. However with each Harada and now Ikeda out of Bandai Namco, will followers get a Tekken 9? If that’s the case, what would possibly it seem like?
Definitely, Tekken followers have had a tough relationship with Bandai Namco lately, criticising numerous elements of the sport and stability modifications. Harada has spoken publicly about his tough relationship with each the Tekken franchise and Bandai Namco, stepping in a number of instances on social media to reply to fan concern, together with the time he addressed a row over the sale of premium stage DLC.
“Makes me anxious concerning the destiny of Tekken 9,” mentioned one involved fan, responding to Ikeda’s departure. “The franchise might need to take a little bit of a break after this recreation,” one other advised. “This recreation has undoubtedly been a nightmare for builders AND gamers.”
Bandai Namco itself has but to say what’s in retailer for Tekken past Tekken 8 Season 3.
Wesley is Director, Information at IGN. Discover him on Twitter at @wyp100. You possibly can attain Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.