Former Tekken director founds new game development studio with SNK

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Katsuhiro Harada, the popular director of the Tekken fighting game series, has teamed up with SNK to launch a new game development company named VS Studio.

Visual Studio officially launched on May 1, 2026, becoming part of SNK, the well-known creator of fighting games such as The King of Fighters and Fatal Fury. The two companies plan to work together on developing games to improve their overall development abilities, according to a recent announcement.

VS Studio aims to go beyond the usual, striving for perfection through a blend of cutting-edge technology, thoughtful design, and exceptional skill. They’re dedicated to achieving the very best in their field.

Harada clarified that “VS” represents multiple concepts central to the company: its history in video game development, a willingness to break from convention, and a commitment to innovation and taking on challenges. He specifically mentioned interpretations like “Visionary Standard,” “Volition Shift,” and “Vanguard Spirit” as examples of this spirit.

Harada stated that VS Studio is designed to foster creativity and help developers create innovative and engaging games within an open and flexible environment.

After working in game development for a long time, I’ve always thought about what makes a good work environment for developers and how I can best use my time as one,” he explained.

VS Studio is dedicated to creating amazing gaming experiences for players around the globe. We do this by combining innovative technology with expert knowledge and fostering a collaborative environment. We’re always seeking talented individuals who share our commitment to pushing boundaries and tackling ambitious projects, and we hope you’ll join us.

Harada founds new game studio after Bandai Namco exit

This is the latest big move from Harada after his unexpected exit from Bandai Namco in late 2025.

Katsuhiro Harada is a key figure behind the success of Tekken. He helped the fighting game series become incredibly popular, evolving it from a popular arcade game into a major esports competition with large-scale tournaments held worldwide.

He explained on X (formerly Twitter) that with the Tekken series celebrating its 30th year, he felt it was the right time to finish a particular part of the story.

I’m no longer a developer / creator of the TEKKEN series.

Harada_TEKKEN is completely dead.

— Katsuhiro Harada (@Harada_TEKKEN) December 31, 2025

After leaving Tekken, it looks like he’s continuing his work in fighting games with a new partnership with SNK, under the name ‘VS Studio.’ We don’t yet know what kind of games the Studio will create, but fans are thrilled to see what this legendary fighting game creator does next.

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2026-05-12 18:21