Tekken 7 has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 10 million copies sold worldwide. ([game.edu.kg](https://game.edu.kg/research/a/view-L3Rla2tlbi03LTEwLW1pbGxpb24tc2FsZXMtdGVra2VuLTgtaHlwZS1iYW5kYWktbmFtY28v?utm_source=openai))

However, Tekken 8's Season 2 update has led to a decline in player numbers on Steam, reaching a 24-hour peak of 6,040 players on April 14, 2025. ([esports.gg](https://esports.gg/news/tekken-8/tekken-8-steam-numbers-season-2-emergency-patch/?utm_source=openai))

In response to fan concerns, Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada has clarified that the Tekken World Tour will not adopt a pay-per-view model, emphasizing the goal of sustaining the Tekken community rather than commercializing it. ([gamerbraves.com](https://www.gamerbraves.com/tekken-producer-harada-clarifies-stance-on-tournament-stream-monetization/?utm_source=openai))

Additionally, Bandai Namco is engaging the community by showcasing fan art during the Tekken World Tour Global Finals. ([dashfight.com](https://dashfight.com/news/bandai-namco-will-show-best-tekken-fanart-during-twt-global-finals-4075?utm_source=openai))

These developments highlight the dynamic nature of the Tekken series and its community.

The Tekken community is currently navigating a series of significant developments:

**Season 2 Update and Player Response**

The Season 2 update for Tekken 8 has introduced substantial changes, including new moves and character adjustments. However, these modifications have been met with considerable backlash from the player base. Critics argue that the update has overly emphasized offensive gameplay, diminishing defensive strategies and leading to a homogenization of character playstyles. This dissatisfaction has been reflected in a notable decline in active players on Steam, with numbers dropping below 6,000 concurrent players for the first time since the game's launch. ([thegamer.com](https://www.thegamer.com/tekken-8-has-hit-new-steam-lowplayer-count-controversial-season-2-update/?utm_source=openai))

**Community Backlash and Developer Response**

In response to the community's concerns, Bandai Namco has acknowledged the feedback and is implementing balance adjustments to address the issues raised. The development team has released a balance adjustment policy aimed at course-correcting the Season 2 changes, with emergency updates planned to mitigate the negative impact on gameplay. ([theouterhaven.net](https://www.theouterhaven.net/tekken-8-releases-balance-adjustment-policy-to-course-correct-s2-issues/?utm_source=openai))

**Tournament Streaming and Monetization**

Amidst these gameplay changes, there has been speculation regarding the monetization of Tekken World Tour streams. Producer Katsuhiro Harada has clarified that there are no plans to implement a pay-per-view model for these events. He emphasized that the primary goal is to sustain the Tekken community rather than commercialize it. ([eventhubs.com](https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2025/nov/28/tekken-harada-pay-per-view/?utm_source=openai))

**Leadership Transition**

In a significant development, Katsuhiro Harada has announced his departure from Bandai Namco at the end of 2025, after more than 30 years with the company. Harada has been a pivotal figure in the Tekken series, and his departure marks the end of an era for the franchise. He plans to make a final appearance at the Tekken World Tour Finals in January 2026. ([psu.com](https://www.psu.com/news/tekken-boss-katsuhiro-harada-is-leaving-bandai-namco-at-the-end-of-the-year/?utm_source=openai))

These events underscore a period of transition and reflection for the Tekken community, as players and developers alike work towards a more balanced and engaging gaming experience.


## Tekken 8 Faces Community Backlash Amid Season 2 Changes and Leadership Shift:
- [Tekken 8's newest season is being dogpiled with negative reviews as director says there's a 'disconnect between what the community wants' and what the developer is doing](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fighting/tekken-8s-newest-season-is-being-dogpiled-with-negative-reviews-as-director-says-theres-a-disconnect-between-what-the-community-wants-and-what-the-developer-is-doing/?utm_source=openai), Published on Friday, April 04
- [Adiós al máximo responsable de Tekken: Katsuhiro Harada anuncia su marcha de Bandai Namco tras 30 años en la saga](https://as.com/meristation/noticias/adios-al-maximo-responsable-de-tekken-katsuhiro-harada-anuncia-su-marcha-de-bandai-namco-tras-30-anos-en-la-saga-f202512-n/?utm_source=openai), Published on Monday, December 08

Katsuhiro Harada, the visionary behind the Tekken series, has announced his departure from Bandai Namco at the end of 2025, coinciding with the franchise's 30th anniversary. Reflecting on his journey, Harada shared:

> "I’d like to share that I’ll be leaving Bandai Namco at the end of 2025. With the TEKKEN series reaching its 30th anniversary—an important milestone for a project I’ve devoted much of my life to—I felt this was the most fitting moment to bring one chapter to a close." ([nintendolife.com](https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/12/katsuhiro-harada-announces-departure-from-bandai-namco?utm_source=openai))

In his statement, Harada reminisced about his early days, emphasizing his hands-on approach to promoting Tekken in local tournaments and arcades. He also acknowledged the recent loss of close friends and colleagues, which influenced his decision to consider his remaining time as a creator. ([videogameschronicle.com](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/tekken-boss-katsuhiro-harada-says-hes-leaving-bandai-namco-this-month/?utm_source=openai))

Bandai Namco has assured fans that the Tekken series will continue, with ongoing development and content plans for Tekken 8. The company expressed gratitude for Harada's contributions and commitment to upholding the legacy he helped build. ([videogameschronicle.com](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/tekken-boss-katsuhiro-harada-says-hes-leaving-bandai-namco-this-month/?utm_source=openai))

Harada's final appearance with Bandai Namco will be at the Tekken World Tour 2025 Global Finals in Malmö, Sweden, on January 31 and February 1, 2026. He has hinted at future projects, promising to share more details at a later date. ([videogameschronicle.com](https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/tekken-boss-katsuhiro-harada-says-hes-leaving-bandai-namco-this-month/?utm_source=openai))

As the Tekken community processes this significant transition, players and fans alike are eager to see how the franchise will evolve in the post-Harada era.

Katsuhiro Harada, the visionary behind the Tekken series, has announced his departure from Bandai Namco at the end of 2025, coinciding with the franchise's 30th anniversary. Reflecting on his journey, Harada shared:

> "I’d like to share that I’ll be leaving Bandai Namco at the end of 2025. With the TEKKEN series reaching its 30th anniversary—an important milestone for a project I’ve devoted much of my life to—I felt this was the most fitting moment to bring one chapter to a close." ([nintendolife.com](https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/12/katsuhiro-harada-announces-departure-from-bandai-namco?utm_source=openai))

In his statement, Harada reminisced about his early days, emphasizing his hands-on approach to promoting Tekken in local tournaments and arcades. He also acknowledged the recent loss of close friends and colleagues, which influenced his decision to consider his remaining time as a creator. ([gamespot.com](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/tekken-boss-katsuhiro-harada-is-leaving-bandai-namco-after-30-years-of-iron-fist-tournaments/1100-6536752/?utm_source=openai))

Bandai Namco has assured fans that the Tekken series will continue, with ongoing development and content plans for Tekken 8. The company expressed gratitude for Harada's contributions and commitment to upholding the legacy he helped build. ([nintendolife.com](https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/12/katsuhiro-harada-announces-departure-from-bandai-namco?utm_source=openai))

Harada's final appearance with Bandai Namco will be at the Tekken World Tour 2025 Global Finals in Malmö, Sweden, on January 31 and February 1, 2026. He has hinted at future projects, promising to share more details at a later date. ([nintendolife.com](https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/12/katsuhiro-harada-announces-departure-from-bandai-namco?utm_source=openai))

As the Tekken community processes this significant transition, players and fans alike are eager to see how the franchise will evolve in the post-Harada era.


## Tekken 8 Faces Community Backlash Amid Season 2 Changes and Leadership Shift:
- [Tekken 8's newest season is being dogpiled with negative reviews as director says there's a 'disconnect between what the community wants' and what the developer is doing](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fighting/tekken-8s-newest-season-is-being-dogpiled-with-negative-reviews-as-director-says-theres-a-disconnect-between-what-the-community-wants-and-what-the-developer-is-doing/?utm_source=openai), Published on Friday, April 04
- [Tekken 8 peligra: Bandai Namco reestructura al equipo de balance del juego tras el polémico parche de la temporada 2](https://as.com/meristation/noticias/tekken-8-peligra-bandai-namco-reestructura-al-equipo-de-balance-del-juego-tras-el-polemico-parche-de-la-temporada-2-n/?utm_source=openai), Published on Tuesday, May 13