@nkt_dreamer (X)
Tekken 8 game director Kohei Ikeda has officially left Bandai Namco after spending two decades at the company, marking another major departure for the long-running fighting game franchise.
Tekken 7 and Tekken 8 Game Director Kohei Ikeda announced his departure from Bandai Namco in a statement posted to X on June 1. In the lengthy message, he reflected on his 20-year career and thanked fans, colleagues, and the Fighting Game Community for supporting him along the way.
“I have officially left Bandai Namco Entertainment after many years with the company,” Ikeda wrote, looking back on a journey that began with Soulcalibur IV before eventually leading him to one of gaming’s most iconic fighting game series.
According to Ikeda, joining Namco was a “dream come true” after growing up immersed in arcade fighting games. He credited the friendships and connections he built through the genre for helping shape his career and opening the door to game development.
Tekken 8 director leaves Bandai Namco
The veteran developer said being entrusted with directing Tekken 7 and Tekken 8 became one of the most meaningful experiences of his life, allowing him to connect directly with players around the world.
“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 the criticism and feedback the series received over the years, saying both praise and complaints helped motivate him and 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.
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
Despite stepping away from Bandai Namco, Ikeda reassured fans that the future of Tekken remains in good hands. He said he has passed on the values he believes define the series, including staying close to the community and building the game alongside its players.
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While Ikeda did not reveal where he is headed next, he confirmed he plans to continue working in game development and taking on “new challenges” in the future.
Ikeda ended his message with one final nod to the series he helped guide for years: “GET READY FOR THE NEXT BATTLE!!! To everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, thank you from the bottom of my heart. With gratitude to Tekken fans and the Fighting Game Community all around the world.”
His departure comes around six months after longtime Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada announced he would also be leaving Bandai Namco following more than three decades with the company.
