Former Tekken Director Katsuhiro Harada forms new SNK studio

Tekken veteran Katsuhiro Harada has returned to game development with VS Studio, a new Tokyo-based developer with financial backing from long-time fighting game rival SNK.

The details:

• Harada, who left Bandai Namco and the Tekken series at the end of 2025 after more than three decades with the franchise, serves as the studio’s CEO and has shared the goal to "combine technology, sensibility, and world-class expertise to pursue the ultimate." "Having been involved in game development for many years, I've constantly considered how I want to spend my time as a developer and what kind of environment allows developers to perform at their best," Harada said. "VS Studio is one answer to that question.”
• SNK director Yasuyuki Oda issued a statement regarding Harada’s move to the company, highlighting the long-standing fighting game rivalry with the former Bandai Namco employee. "I am extremely proud to welcome Mr. Katsuhiro Harada, who has been a long-time friend and a worthy rival to us, into our group,” the executive said. “We've long discussed the hypothetical scenario of working together, and now that dream has become a reality. To be honest, nothing has been decided yet, but I have no doubt that things will become even more exciting than ever before. We look forward to your continued support for SNK and VS Studio."
• No titles or genres have been confirmed, but the studio’s name, Harada’s background, and SNK’s history suggest that a new competitive fighting game IP could be its debut title.