Former Tekken Producer Katsuhiro Harada Launches New Studio With SNK

Tekken veteran Katsuhiro Harada begins a new chapter with the launch of VS Studio alongside SNK. / IGN

Former ‘Tekken’ Producer Katsuhiro Harada Launches New Studio With SNK Following Bandai Namco Departure

One of the most influential names in fighting game history is officially starting a new chapter.

Katsuhiro Harada, best known for shaping the long-running Tekken franchise during his time at Bandai Namco, has announced the launch of a brand-new development company titled VS Studio SNK in partnership with rival fighting game publisher SNK.

The studio officially launched on May 1 and is headquartered in Tokyo.

According to SNK, VS Studio will operate as a consolidated subsidiary while collaborating directly with the company on future game software development projects. The goal is to strengthen development capabilities and expand creative opportunities between both companies moving forward.

For fighting game fans, the collaboration immediately stands out considering the long history between Harada and SNK within arcade and competitive gaming culture.

Harada officially departed Bandai Namco in December 2025 after decades associated with the Tekken series, which became one of the defining franchises within the fighting game genre alongside properties such as Street Fighter, Fatal Fury, and King of Fighters.

In a statement announcing the studio, Harada described VS Studio as a creative environment focused on innovation, freedom, and long-term development philosophy.

“We are pleased to announce the launch of our new game development studio, VS Studio,” Harada stated. “VS Studio’s philosophy is ‘Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection.’ We will combine technology, sensibility, and world-class expertise to pursue the ultimate.”

Harada also explained that the “VS” title carries multiple meanings tied to competition, innovation, and creative evolution, referencing phrases such as “Visionary Standard,” “Volition Shift,” and “Vanguard Spirit.”

The announcement also included comments from longtime SNK developer Yasuyuki Oda, who described Harada as both a longtime friend and rival within the gaming industry.

“I am extremely proud to welcome Mr. Katsuhiro Harada into our group,” Oda stated. “We’ve long discussed the hypothetical scenario of working together, and now that dream has become a reality.”

At this time, no official game projects connected to VS Studio have been announced.

However, the launch immediately raises questions throughout the fighting game community regarding what direction Harada and SNK may eventually pursue together, especially considering SNK’s continued revival efforts involving Fatal Fury and other legacy fighting game properties.

For genre audiences, Harada’s influence extends well beyond competitive gaming. The Tekken franchise has long blended martial arts action with science fiction, supernatural horror elements, cybernetic experimentation, family tragedy, monsters, demons, and apocalyptic storytelling, helping the series maintain crossover appeal between gaming, anime, and action cinema fans for decades.

With VS Studio now officially launched, attention will likely shift toward whatever project eventually becomes the studio’s first major release.