Former Tekken Director Launches New Studio with Rival Fighting Game Developers

A new contender has entered the arena: Katsuhiro Harada, a legendary figure in the fighting game scene known for his work on the Tekken series, has teamed up with SNK Corporation to launch a fresh development studio. Officially named VSStudioSNK, this new venture was established on May 1 and will operate as a subsidiary of SNK, with Harada taking the helm as representative director and CEO.

Harada’s exit from Bandai Namco in December 2025, after over thirty years with the company, sent shockwaves through the gaming community. He cited personal and professional losses as key factors in his decision, a sentiment many linked to the passing of his longtime rival, Tomonobu Itagaki, the mastermind behind the Dead or Alive series and director of the 2004 Ninja Gaiden. Few anticipated Harada’s swift return to the spotlight, especially with another major competitor like SNK, renowned for its King of Fighters and Samurai Shodown franchises. A recent announcement revealed that the new studio will collaborate with SNK on game development, aiming to enhance their creative synergy.

Harada shared that the studio’s guiding philosophy is: “Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection. We will combine technology, sensibility, and world-class expertise to pursue the ultimate.” The “VS” in the studio’s name carries multiple meanings, including “the spirit of ‘Versus’ challenging tradition,” “Visionary Standard,” “Volition Shift,” and “Vanguard Spirit.” While these phrases may sound grandiose, it’s worth noting that Harada celebrated his departure from Namco with a one-hour Tekken-themed techno music mix.

Yasuyuki Oda, a developer at SNK, expressed excitement about collaborating with Harada, describing him as “a long-time friend and a worthy rival.” Although no projects have been announced yet from the new studio, the buzz surrounding it suggests that an exciting reveal may be on the horizon.