Joseph Takeda

Character: ??

Name: Dr Joseph Takeda*Affiliation:* Global Defence Initiative (GDI)*Occupation:* Scientist / weapons seeker*Specialism:* Directed-energy weapons*Main project:* EW1*Kidnapper:* Brotherhood of Nod*Captor / Interrogator:* Al-Rashan*Rescuers:* Ricardo Vega and Alessio Bowler*Conflict:* Third Tiberium War*Main appearance:* Command & Conquer: Tiberium Wars novel
Planned appearance: Tiberium (cancelled game)
Status: Alive following his release.Joseph Takeda is a GDI scientist specialising in the development of advanced weaponry. He is best known for leading the development of the EW1, described as the GDI’s first attempt to develop a directed-energy weapon. His backstory is primarily explored in the novel Tiberium Wars.

The EW1 project

Takeda is responsible for the development of the EW1. This experimental weapon represents the GDI’s first foray into the field of directed-energy weapons, which naturally makes its chief scientist a particularly valuable asset to the organisation.

Its technological significance also attracts Nod’s attention when the Third Tiberium War breaks out.

Capture by Nod

At the start of the conflict, Nod launches an attack on San Diego and succeeds in capturing Takeda. The scientist is held captive in the San Diego Convention Centre, which has been converted by Nod forces into a Command Hub. A unit from the GDI’s 22nd Infantry Division is then tasked with retrieving him.

Takeda is placed under the supervision of Al-Rashan, a Nod interrogator.

Rescue

The rescue mission involves, in particular, Ricardo Vega and his comrade Alessio ‘Dish’ Bowles. The GDI soldiers engage the forces occupying the complex and eventually manage to rescue the scientist.

Al-Rashan is killed by Bowler during the operation, bringing Takeda’s captivity to a definitive end. GDI forces also capture two Nod Soldiers, Hugh Isembi and Voyskunsky.

Takeda’s rescue also helps to make Vega a hero within his unit. Following this operation, Cdr. McNeil promotes him to the rank of Sergeant, although this promotion also responds to the urgent need to replace the many non-commissioned officers lost in action.

A planned appearance in Tiberium

Joseph Takeda was also due to appear in Tiberium, the tactical first-person shooter developed by Electronic Arts before its cancellation in 2008.

Detailed concept art and models of Dr Takeda were produced for the project, confirming that a version of the character was planned. However, information relating to this cancelled game should not be considered part of the established canon of the series.

This distinction is important: his role in the novel Tiberium Wars constitutes the main narrative basis available, whilst his potential storyline in Tiberium is part of abandoned content.

Takeda is a secondary character, but he illustrates the importance that GDI military research had come to hold by the mid-21st century. His expertise in energy weapons makes him a strategic asset significant enough for Nod to seek to capture him rather than simply eliminate him.

However, the available sources on his personal life remain very limited: his nationality, age, family, previous career and what became of him after his release are not documented.