Kohei Ikeda leaves Bandai Namco after 20 years

Kohei Ikeda, known to fans as "Nakatsu," has announced his departure from Bandai Namco after more than 20 years of loyal service. He worked in several roles, including game director and chief producer of Tekken 8, and also contributed to other popular titles such as Soulcalibur IV and the Project X Zone series.

Departure and experiences at Bandai Namco

On June 1, 2026, Ikeda confirmed his departure via social media. In his statement, he expressed his affection for the fighting game community and his colleagues. "It was a dream to be part of the company I had always admired, and I’m proud to have had the chance to create games with such incredible people who poured their hearts into our work," he wrote. He said he continues to value the principles he and the Tekken project embraced, such as staying close to fans and working with the community.

Despite leaving, Ikeda said he is not retiring and plans to take on new challenges in the game industry. At this time, it is not known what direction his career will take next.

Changes in the Tekken team

Ikeda’s departure follows other major exits within the Tekken team. In August 2025, assistant director Yohei Shimbori left Bandai Namco, and in December 2025, Katsuhiro Harada, the franchise’s executive director and best-known figure, also stepped down. Harada recently revealed his new studio, adding to speculation about the future of the Tekken series.

The team changes come at a time when Tekken 8 is facing significant controversy. The game’s gameplay direction and updates have frustrated parts of the fanbase, especially after the launch of the third season patch, which was seen as too aggressive. While the game remains commercially successful and ongoing DLC support has been announced, the franchise’s future remains uncertain after the departure of several key figures.

The future of Tekken

Kohei Ikeda’s departure raises questions about who will take over as game director and how Tekken’s direction will evolve without his leadership. Harada, who recently said the franchise should not be difficult for another team member to continue, may be signaling room for new creative perspectives. For now, fans will have to wait and see how the game’s ongoing issues are addressed and how upcoming updates continue to shape the experience.

It seems the Tekken series is entering a transitional period, marking an exciting but also worrying era for its many dedicated followers. As Bandai Namco works to maintain the series’ quality and creative vision, it is clear that a lot is at stake for both the developers and the fans.