Tekken Veteran Katsuhiro Harada Launches New Studio, Backed by SNK

by Chief Editor

Harada’s New Gaming Studio: A New Dawn for Tekken and Beyond

Table of Contents

Harada’s Departure and New Venture

In a bombshell announcement, Katsuhiro Harada, the long-serving voice and face of the Tekken franchise and Bandai Namco, parted ways with the company in December 2025. Fans worldwide wondered what the future held for the industry veteran, and now we have our answer.

Harada is set to launch his own game development studio, VS Studio SNK, in collaboration with rival gaming company SNK. The studio’s name, which includes the three-letter acronym for SNK, signifies the company’s official investment and support for the new venture.

VS Studio SNK: A New Player in the Industry

Based in Tokyo, VS Studio SNK aims to "collaborate on game software development to further strengthen their combined creative capabilities." This marks an exciting new chapter in the gaming industry, with two major players joining forces to create something entirely new.

VS Studio SNK: A New Player in the Industry
Tekken

SNK’s investment in VS Studio SNK signals a commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the gaming sector. With Harada at the helm, fans can expect high-quality, engaging games that push the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming.

Harada’s Vision for VS Studio

In a press statement, Harada shared his vision for VS Studio:

Katsuhiro Harada VS Studio SNK Reveal Trailer

"VS Studio’s philosophy is ‘Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection.’ We will combine technology, sensibility, and world-class expertise to pursue the ultimate. From a free, open, and spacious environment, we will generate new ideas and create memorable games. We established this studio to bring this vision to life."

The ‘VS’ in VS Studio holds multiple meanings, representing Harada’s roots at "Video game Soft (VS Development Division)," the "Versus" spirit that challenges tradition, and various other innovative and challenging aspects, such as "Visionary Standard" and "Vanguard Spirit."

What’s Next for VS Studio SNK?

While no official announcements have been made regarding VS Studio SNK’s upcoming projects, fans can speculate that Harada’s extensive experience with fighting games like Tekken may hint at future titles in the genre. However, with Harada’s vision for pushing boundaries and thinking beyond tradition, VS Studio SNK could also explore entirely new gaming territories.

Harada has stated that VS Studio SNK is looking for passionate team members to join their mission, indicating that the studio is actively growing and expanding.

FAQ

Q: When was VS Studio SNK established? A: VS Studio SNK was established on May 1, 2026.

FAQ
Tekken Bandai Namco

Q: Where is VS Studio SNK based? A: The studio is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

Q: What does VS Studio SNK stand for? A: VS Studio SNK’s name includes the three-letter acronym for SNK, signifying the company’s official investment and support for the new venture. The ‘VS’ also represents various innovative and challenging aspects, as outlined by Harada in his vision statement.

Did You Know?

Harada’s departure from Bandai Namco marked the end of a three-decade-long career with the company. He joined Namco (now Bandai Namco) in 1985 and played a crucial role in the development of many iconic games, including the Tekken series.

Pro Tip: Keep an Eye on These Developments

To stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments from VS Studio SNK, follow these steps:

  1. Bookmark the official VS Studio SNK website (once live) and check back regularly for updates.
  2. Follow Harada on social media platforms, such as Twitter, for personal insights and announcements.
  3. Keep an eye on gaming news outlets, like GameSpot and IGN, for coverage of VS Studio SNK’s progress.

Call to Action

Now that you’ve learned about VS Studio SNK and Harada’s exciting new venture, we’d love to hear your thoughts:

  • Which gaming genres or platforms would you like to see VS Studio SNK explore?
  • How do you think Harada’s new studio will influence the gaming industry?
  • Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below, and let’s discuss the future of gaming together!

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