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Following Harada's Exit, Tekken 8 Has Now Also Lost its Game Director
Following Katsuhiro Harada's departure from Bandai Namco, Tekken 8's game director Kohei Ikeda has also left the company after 20 years. Ikeda, who worked on the Tekken series and directed both Tekken 7 and Tekken 8, stated that he has entrusted the future of the franchise to the remaining team. The article also notes recent patches have improved the game's balance after initial updates caused issues.
Hot on the Heels of Katsuhiro Harada's Exit From Bandai Namco, the Director of Tekken 7 and 8 Has Left Too
Kohei Ikeda, the game director for Tekken 7 and Tekken 8, has departed from Bandai Namco Entertainment after a 20-year tenure. His exit follows that of Katsuhiro Harada, another prominent figure at the company.
Tekken 8 game director Kohei Ikeda leaves after 20 years at Bandai Namco, amidst on-going series woes
Kohei Ikeda, the director of Tekken 8 and a 20-year veteran at Bandai Namco Entertainment, has announced his departure from the company. His exit follows that of executive game director Katsuhiro Harada and producer Yohei Shimbori. This news comes amidst fan dissatisfaction with recent Tekken 8 updates and the game's direction.
Another Vital Figure Has Left Bandai Namco
Kohei Ikeda, also known as "Nakatsu," a veteran developer with over 20 years at Bandai Namco and a key figure in the Tekken series, has announced his departure. Ikeda served as game director and chief producer for Tekken 8 and previously contributed to titles like Soulcalibur IV and Project X Zone. He stated he will continue to pursue new challenges in game development.
Tekken 8 game director Kohei Ikeda leaves Bandai Namco after 20 years
Kohei Ikeda, the chief producer and game director for Tekken 8, has departed from Bandai Namco Entertainment after a 20-year tenure. His departure marks the end of a significant period for the fighting game franchise.
Tekken 8 director leaves Bandai Namco after 20 years
Tekken 8 director Kohei Ikeda has left Bandai Namco after 20 years, marking another significant departure following producer Katsuhiro Harada's exit. Ikeda, who also worked on Tekken 7 and the Soulcalibur series, expressed gratitude to fans. His departure raises questions about the future leadership of the Tekken franchise, though Tekken 8 continues to receive updates.
Tekken 8 Chief Producer/Director Kohei Ikeda is Leaving Bandai Namco
Kohei Ikeda, chief producer and director for Tekken 8 and Tekken 7, has departed from Bandai Namco after a 20-year tenure. Ikeda expressed gratitude for his time at the company, highlighting his work on the Tekken franchise and his interactions with the fighting game community. He also stated his intention to continue pursuing new challenges in game development.
There's one game Don't Nod narrative designer Nina Freeman won't ever uninstall from her PC, because it's banned on Steam: 'It's tragic, because everyone should play this game'
Narrative designer Nina Freeman discusses her PC gaming habits, highlighting Devotion as a game she will never uninstall due to its quality and controversial Steam ban. She also shares her most played game, Dota 2, and her appreciation for complex branching narratives in titles like Scarlet Hollow.
Mass Effect and Metal Gear actor Jennifer Hale calls on studios to take responsibility for their AI use:…
Voice actor Jennifer Hale emphasized that generative AI is a tool for which humans are responsible, urging studios to take ownership of its use. She highlighted that creative professions are early indicators of AI's impact on the workforce and stressed the importance of consent and compensation for performers whose work is used for AI training.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve just popped up on PEGI's website
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has appeared on the PEGI website with a pre-release date of May 30, 2026, though publisher Bandai Namco has only officially stated a 2026 window. The game is rated PEGI 16 for violence and in-game purchases. It is confirmed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, and will be developed on Unreal Engine 5.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Could Receive a Release Date Soon Following Now-Pulled PEGI Rating
A PEGI rating for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, which has since been removed, suggests a release date announcement from Bandai Namco Entertainment is imminent for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The game will feature a stronger narrative focus with first-person cutscenes and follow the story of the Endurance.
Little Nightmares 2 Enhanced Edition Nintendo Switch 2 launch trailer – puzzle-platform horror adventure game with 60 FPS, higher resolution, more
Bandai Namco Entertainment has released a launch trailer for the enhanced edition of Little Nightmares 2 on Nintendo Switch, featuring 60 FPS, higher resolution, and improved visual effects. The game is now available on the Nintendo eShop, offering players a puzzle-platform horror adventure where they must survive childhood fears.
Suikoden II Character Gashapon Has Figures and Acrylic Stands
Bandai Namco and Konami have announced a new gashapon merchandise line for Suikoden II, featuring figures and acrylic stands of characters like Riou, Nanami, and Jowy. The items are currently available for pre-order in Japan, with a September 2026 shipping date, and are expected to release worldwide afterward. The article also mentions the Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster and an upcoming anime adaptation.
While we wait for the new Witcher 3 DLC, here are the 7 best game expansions to play in 2026
This list ranks the seven best downloadable content expansions for video games, including titles like The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. The article highlights how these expansions enhance their base games with new stories, areas, and gameplay mechanics.
Tekken 8 Really Is Getting Back on Track After a Truly Terrible Start to the Year
Tekken 8's latest patch, version 3.01, continues the positive trend of addressing player concerns following a poorly received Season 3 update. The patch further tones down the controversial Heat system, nerfing specific moves and removing Heat regeneration for many characters, which is seen as a significant win for game balance. Bandai Namco has also introduced new online features like random stage select.
The Witcher 3's New Songs of the Past Expansion Could Be as Big as Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
CD Projekt Red has clarified that the upcoming 'Songs of the Past' for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will be a full expansion, comparable in scope to Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. This new content, expected in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, is being developed by Fool's Theory with assistance from CD Projekt Red and is projected to offer a substantial amount of new gameplay.
Game Crossovers and Collaborations
Ubisoft is leveraging its video game intellectual property to create content for museums and television. The article also mentions the release of an Elden Ring Deluxe Albinauric Plushie by Bandai Namco Entertainment, highlighting cross-media collaborations and merchandising.
Digimon Ultraman Crossover Virtual Pet Announced
Bandai Namco and Tsuburaya Productions have announced a Digimon Color virtual pet toy to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Ultraman franchise. This crossover toy will allow players to raise an Ultraman character, with its evolution depending on how it is cared for. Further details on the two versions and potential worldwide release are expected later.
Ace Driver is this week’s Arcade Archives game on Nintendo Switch 2, Switch
Namco's 1994 arcade racing game, Ace Driver, is being released on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the Arcade Archives series. The game features authentic handling and various race tracks, with players able to adjust difficulty and compete for high scores globally. It will be available digitally for $14.99 on Nintendo Switch and $19.99 on Nintendo Switch 2.
Former Tekken boss completes his 30-year career with a pilgrimage to the fighting game's holy land: Waffle House
Former Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada, who departed Bandai Namco at the end of 2025, recently visited a Waffle House in Atlanta during Momocon. This visit is a nod to a long-running community gag where fans requested the American diner be included as a stage in the fighting game series. Harada has previously attempted to collaborate with Waffle House without success.
