Tekken 8 director Kohei Ikeda leaves Bandai Namco after 20 years

Tekken 8 director Kohei Ikeda has left Bandai Namco after two decades and plans new game projects

Tekken 8 game director Kohei Ikeda has announced his departure from Bandai Namco after 20 years with the company, bringing an end to a career that helped shape some of the publisher’s most prominent fighting game releases.

Ikeda confirmed the news in a statement shared on X on June 1 2026, where he reflected on his time at the company and thanked fans, colleagues and members of the Fighting Game Community for their support throughout his career.

“I have officially left Bandai Namco Entertainment after many years with the company,” Ikeda wrote.

The developer explained that his journey with the company began after growing up playing arcade fighting games.

Joining Bandai Namco was, according to Ikeda, a lifelong ambition that eventually led him from work on Soulcalibur IV to directing both Tekken 7 and Tekken 8.

Looking back on his time with the franchise, Ikeda described leading the two games as one of the most meaningful experiences of his career.

“Sharing excitement, celebrating together, and spending unforgettable moments with all of you became one of the greatest treasures of my life,” he said.

Ikeda also acknowledged feedback from the community, saying both praise and criticism played a role in motivating the development team.

“Whether it was hearing someone at an event say, ‘Thank you for working so hard for us!’ or being told, ‘You need to balance the game better!’ every one of those comments supported and motivated me. For that, I am truly grateful,” he wrote.

Although he is leaving Bandai Namco, Ikeda reassured players that the Tekken series will continue under the guidance of developers who understand the values he believes are central to the franchise, including maintaining a close relationship with its community.

The veteran developer did not reveal his next destination but confirmed he intends to remain in the games industry and pursue new opportunities.

Ikeda’s departure follows the exit of longtime Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada, who also announced he would be leaving Bandai Namco after more than 30 years with the company.

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