Tekken Director Explains Feud With Dead or Alive Creator

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When it comes to fighting games, two names that frequently pop up are Tekken and Dead or Alive. Each has its distinctive flair and a loyal fanbase. However, beyond the competitive arena, there existed something deeper: a palpable tension between the individuals who brought these games to life.

Katsuhiro Harada, the brain behind Tekken, opened up about his past interactions with Tomonobu Itagaki, creator of Dead or Alive. At first, their bond appeared cordial; they connected at an event, shared drinks, and delved into their respective projects. However, a turn of events occurred when Itagaki found out that Harada was his junior from Waseda University. This discovery seemed to alter Itagaki’s behavior towards Harada, who described it as progressively impolite.

Starting in the late 1990s, Itagaki started openly criticizing Tekken. Harada speculated that this was a calculated move to promote Dead or Alive. He recalled his superiors urging him to remain quiet and not react to these comments. This one-sided argument left Harada baffled, causing him to question why Itagaki seemed so determined to confront him.

At some point, Itagaki extended an invitation to Harada to come to Tecmo’s office for a sneak peek at Dead or Alive 2 prior to its launch. After trying it out, Harada offered favorable comments. Subsequently, he discovered from a previous Team Ninja colleague that following his visit, Itagaki informed his team, ‘Today, we bested Tekken.’ For Itagaki, the rivalry between the two games was seen as a kind of conflict.

Well, I thought it might be helpful to share some insights about my past interactions with Mr. Itagaki, as it’s possible that our connection may differ from your assumptions. Here’s a brief rundown of our history together, but please keep in mind the following discussion may challenge some preconceived notions.

— Katsuhiro Harada (@Harada_TEKKEN) January 28, 2025

For more than ten years, there existed a strained relationship between them. However, in 2008, following Itagaki’s departure from Tecmo, he reached out to Harada for dinner. At their meal together, Itagaki addressed Harada as his “fellow warrior” and admitted that the animosity he held towards Namco and Tekken was not as deep as it seemed. He expressed his regret for past actions. After this reconciliation, Itagaki would call Harada annually, often after consuming alcohol. This tradition continued until recent years, though Harada mentioned that these calls had ceased more recently.

This tale underscores instances where rivalry within the gaming sector might foster personal disagreements. However, it also demonstrates that as time passes, misconceptions can be cleared up, transforming adversaries into companions.

This story illustrates situations where competition in the gaming industry may cause personal disputes. Yet, it reveals that with enough time, miscommunications can be rectified, eventually converting rivals into allies.

Or:

This narrative emphasizes instances of competition-induced conflicts within the gaming industry. But, it also suggests that given sufficient time, misconstrued points can be clarified, leading to former adversaries becoming friends.

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2025-01-29 03:14