Katsuhiro Harada, the former director of the Tekken series, has launched a new gaming studio called VS Studio. The announcement was made on May 1. The studio is expected to become a consolidated subsidiary of SNK.
Harada leaves Bandai Namco after 30 years
Harada left Bandai Namco in December 2025 after 30 years. VS Studio's philosophy is 'Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection.' The 'VS' in the name stands for multiple concepts, including 'Video game Soft,' 'Versus,' 'Visionary Standard,' 'Volition Shift,' and 'Vanguard Spirit.'
Harada said the studio aims to combine technology, sensibility, and world-class expertise to create memorable games. He described VS Studio as an answer to his long-standing question about the best environment for developers to perform. The studio is currently looking for new team members who share its vision.
It is unclear what VS Studio's first game will be. According to speculation, it is likely a fighting game, given Harada's history with Tekken and SNK's fighting game pedigree. Harada has not confirmed the studio's first project.
