December 8, 2025 โ The gaming world is buzzing with seismic shifts and major launches that could ripple through investor portfolios. From a legendary director’s departure to fresh reveals and ongoing studio turmoil, here’s what investors and gamers need to know this week.
Katsuhiro Harada Exits Bandai Namco: End of an Era for Tekken
Katsuhiro Harada, the visionary behind the Tekken series for over three decades, announced his departure from Bandai Namco at the end of 2025. Harada, who directed starting with Tekken 3 in 1997, cited the franchise’s 30th anniversary as the perfect milestone to step away. He reflected on his arcade roots, personal losses, and consultations with industry icon Ken Kutaragi before handing responsibilities to his team over the past four years.
Tekken 8, his final project, has been a critical and commercial success, bolstering Bandai Namco’s esports push. While Harada’s future remains undisclosedโhe’ll guest at the Tekken World Tour Finals in Januaryโhis exit raises questions for the fighter’s long-term direction. Investors watching Bandai Namco Holdings (7832.T) should note the company’s resilience amid a growing global games market projected to hit $343 billion in 2025.
Star Wars KOTOR 2 Remake Surfaces in Court Filings
Court documents from a lawsuit against Lucasfilm Games and Aspyr have spilled details on a planned full remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II โ The Sith Lords. The project aimed for modern gameplay and an improved ending, while the original KOTOR remake continues at Saber Interactive. The filings stem from a canceled “Restored Content DLC” for Switch and mobile.
This revelation could signal renewed Star Wars gaming momentum under Disney, potentially lifting related stocks like Embracer Group (parent of Saber) as fans clamor for classic revivals.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Blasts Onto Switch โ December’s Must-Play
Nintendo’s Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launched December 4 on Switch and Switch 2, delivering 120FPS performance modes that have critics raving. Paired with Octopath Traveler 0 (also Dec 4) and Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Switch 2 (Dec 2), December is a powerhouse month. Nintendo’s hardware dominance โ Switch 2 already a sales juggernaut โ positions NTDOY for continued gains, with shares up over 60% year-to-date.
Eidos Montreal Hit with Fresh Layoffs Amid Project Culls
Embracer Group’s Eidos Montreal โ creators of Deus Ex and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy โ laid off at least a dozen staff last week, the second round in 2025 after 75 cuts in March. Internal projects, including a Legacy of Kain reboot, were reportedly axed as the studio pivots to support roles.
This underscores broader industry cost-cutting, even as revenue forecasts rise. Watch Embracer (THQQF) for volatility.
Investor Takeaway: Growth Amid Turbulence
Despite layoffs signaling caution, blockbuster releases and market expansion paint a bullish picture. Asia-MENA games revenue alone eyes $89 billion in 2025. Top watches: Nintendo (NTDOY), Bandai Namco (NCBDY), and ETFs like NERD.
Stay tuned to GLHRInvesting.com for stock analysis and updates.
