![[EXCLUSIVE] Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen Team Opens Up About the Expansion’s Name, New Norgan Region, and Performance Goals](https://cdn.gamerbraves.com/2026/07/Dragons-Dogma-2-Dark-Arisen_Interview_FI-360x180.jpg)
Kohei Ikeda, the game director and chief producer behind Tekken 8, has officially left Bandai Namco after two decades with the company. He shared the news through a personal announcement, expressing gratitude toward his team, the players, and the fighting game community (FGC) at large.
Ikeda’s journey with Bandai Namco started through his love of arcade fighting games. Over his 20-year career, he worked on several titles across both the Tekken and Soulcalibur series. He served as a battle effect director and game designer on Soulcalibur IV, a game designer on Tekken Tag Tournament 2, producer on Tekken 3D: Prime Edition, and eventually game director on both Tekken 7 and Tekken 8.
In his farewell message, Ikeda looked back fondly on his time at the company, describing his experience working on Tekken as something he had long hoped to contribute to.
Announcement:
After 20 incredible years, I have left Bandai Namco Studios.
Thank you all for your support.【ご報告】
バンダイナムコスタジオを退職いたしました。20年間、本当にありがとうございました。#TEKKEN #TEKKEN8 #鉄拳8 pic.twitter.com/3Xip9DOy5z— Kohei Ikeda（Nakatsu） (@nkt_dreamer) June 1, 2026
“Being entrusted with the role of game director for Tekken 7 and Tekken 8 gave me the opportunity to connect with fans and members of the fighting game community from all around the world,” he wrote.
Ikeda closed his message by saying he has passed on his values and vision to the team that will carry Tekken forward, and that he plans to “continue taking on new challenges as a game developer.”
Ikeda’s exit comes after another long-time Tekken figure, Katsuhiro Harada, left Bandai Namco back in December 2025 following more than 31 years with the company. Harada has since moved on to lead VS Studio, a newly established studio under SNK.
