Katsuhiro Harada Forms VS Studio with SNK
Katsuhiro Harada, the long-standing producer behind the Tekken series, has announced the formation of a new development entity, VS Studio, in partnership with SNK Corporation. This collaboration brings a veteran of 3D fighting games into closer orbit with a company whose arcade legacy, particularly in 2D fighting titles like The King of Fighters and Fatal Fury, is foundational to the genre, often featuring memorable soundtracks from composers like Masahiko Hataya. The news, initially reported by VGC, confirms Harada's departure from Bandai Namco after more than 31 years in the industry.
SNK Corporation, via its official press channels, confirmed the establishment of VS Studio in Shinagawa (品川), a prominent district in Tokyo. Harada will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of this new venture. The name 'VS' carries multiple meanings, according to Harada, encompassing "Video game Soft (VS Development Division)" and embodying a spirit of "Versus" that challenges traditional approaches to game creation.
The Philosophy of VS Studio
VS Studio's core philosophy is articulated as "Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection." Harada stated that the studio intends to combine advanced technology, refined sensibility, and world-class expertise to pursue the ultimate in game development. The goal is to foster a free, open, and spacious environment where new ideas can flourish, leading to the creation of memorable games. This vision, he explained, is the driving force behind the studio's establishment.
Harada reflected on his extensive career in game development, noting his continuous consideration of how best to spend his time as a creator and what environment allows developers to perform optimally. He views VS Studio as a direct answer to these questions. By uniting technology and knowledge with passionate colleagues, the studio aims to deliver exceptional gaming experiences to players globally. VS Studio aspires to be a place that consistently embraces new challenges, and it is actively seeking team members who share this forward-looking vision.
A New Chapter for a Fighting Game Veteran
Harada's appointment at SNK, a company now under Saudi ownership, links the Tekken series leader with another historic creator of fighting games. Harada worked on Tekken from its inception three decades ago. SNK is renowned for its own influential fighting game series, including The King of Fighters, Fatal Fury, and Samurai Shodown. The company's most recent major fighting game, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, reportedly did not meet commercial expectations last year, despite a significant marketing push, leading to the departure of SNK's Chief Executive Officer shortly after its release.
Speaking to 4Gamer, Harada indicated that his future projects would not deviate from the action and competitive player-versus-player elements for which he is known. He also did not dismiss the possibility of working on SNK's existing fighting game franchises in the future. "Speaking personally, there are certainly things I’d like to do," he remarked when asked about potentially engaging with SNK's intellectual property. He clarified that nothing has been decided yet, emphasizing the lengthy development cycles of modern games, which can easily span four to five years.
What This Means for SNK's IP
Harada's comments about long development cycles and SNK's recent Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves performance are critical. It suggests that while the potential for new SNK fighting game IP is exciting, it is not an immediate certainty. The real story here is the strategic alignment of a proven creative force with a historic publisher, rather than an instant revival of specific dormant franchises. This move represents a long-term investment in creative leadership.
Harada is still recruiting for VS Studio. One former colleague who has joined him is Yuichi Yonemori, who served as the director for multiple Tekken titles, including Tekken Tag Tournament 1 and 2. Yasuyuki Oda, an SNK game designer, expressed his pride in welcoming Harada, whom he described as a long-time friend and worthy rival. Oda noted that while nothing specific has been decided, he anticipates an even more exciting future for both SNK and VS Studio. Harada's decision to leave Bandai Namco, where he held a general manager position, was influenced by the retirement and loss of friends and colleagues, prompting him to reflect on his remaining time as a creator. This new studio offers him a fresh environment to pursue his creative ambitions.
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Originally announced by SNK Corporation · first reported by VGC.
