Former Tekken Director Katsuhiro Harada Says His Next Game Will Be a ‘Surprise,’ But Not Outside Fans’ Expectations

September 15, 2026 - 17:40

Katsuhiro Harada, the former director of the Tekken series, has shared a few hints about the game he is building at his new independent studio. In a recent interview, Harada said his next project will be a surprise, though he was quick to add that it will not sit outside what fans already expect from him. That balance between shock and familiarity is something he seems to be aiming for with care.

Harada spent decades at Bandai Namco, where he became the face of the Tekken franchise. His move to VS Studio marked a major shift, and since then fans have wondered what kind of game he would make without the weight of an established fighting series behind him. He has not named the genre or the platform, and he has not shown any footage. What he has said is that the project is moving forward and that the team is small but focused.

The comment about a surprise suggests the game may blend ideas in a way that catches people off guard. At the same time, Harada knows his audience. He built a career on reading what players want and then pushing past it just enough to keep things fresh. If his next game follows that same logic, it could land as something unexpected yet oddly fitting for the people who have followed his work for years.