Tekken creator Katsuhiro Harada launches new studio with SNK

Tekken creator Katsuhiro Harada is already back in game development after leaving Bandai Namco at the end of 2025.

Harada and SNK have announced VS Studio, a new game development studio established on May 1. SNK is supporting the studio’s launch and plans to make it a consolidated subsidiary.

The announcement says VS Studio and SNK will work together on game software development to strengthen SNK’s production capabilities. No game has been announced yet, but Harada’s history makes the studio immediately interesting to fighting game fans.

Harada described VS Studio’s philosophy as “Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection.” He also explained that the “VS” name has several meanings, including video game software, versus, challenging tradition, Visionary Standard, Volition Shift, and Vanguard Spirit.

That wording strongly points toward competitive games, and possibly fighting games, though SNK has not confirmed what VS Studio’s first project will be.

SNK’s Yasuyuki Oda said he is proud to welcome Harada, calling him both a longtime friend and a worthy rival. He also said the two had discussed working together before, and that the opportunity has now become real.

That makes this a notable move for the fighting game scene. Harada helped define Tekken for decades at Bandai Namco, while SNK has its own long history with series like The King of Fighters, Fatal Fury, Samurai Shodown, and Art of Fighting.

A Harada led studio inside SNK’s orbit naturally raises questions. Could VS Studio build a new fighting game? Could it help SNK expand its existing franchises? Could it create something that directly competes with Tekken?

For now, nothing is decided publicly. Since VS Studio has only just been formed, it will likely take time before the studio shows its first game.

The timing is still interesting. Harada left Bandai Namco only a few months ago, and Tekken 8 has faced criticism from some longtime fans over recent decisions. That gives his next move extra attention, especially from players curious to see what he can build outside the franchise he helped shape.

SNK also benefits from the move. Bringing in a developer with Harada’s experience gives the company more creative and production strength at a time when fighting games are enjoying renewed global attention.

There is no project to judge yet, but VS Studio already has one thing most new studios do not: a clear reason for fans to pay attention. Harada helped make Tekken one of the biggest names in fighting games. Now he has a fresh start with SNK, and the fighting game world will be watching closely.