SNK has announced the formation of VS Studio SNK, a new game development entity that will operate as a consolidated subsidiary of the company. Leading this new venture is Katsuhiro Harada, the veteran producer and director best known for his extensive work on the Tekken fighting game series.
Harada, who departed Bandai Namco at the end of 2025 after a career that included leading the fighting game esports division, explained the meaning behind the studio's name. The 'VS' in VS Studio SNK represents not only 'Versus' and 'Visual Studio' but also 'Visionary Standard, Volition Shift, and Vanguard Spirit,' hinting at the studio's ambitious goals.
Harada's career at Namco, which merged with Bandai in 2006, began in promotion before he transitioned to game development. He served as director on Tekken 3 and also contributed to titles like Soulcalibur, Summer Lesson, and Pokkén Tournament. He has also lent his voice to characters within the Tekken franchise.
This move by SNK follows the establishment of its KOF Studio in December 2024, dedicated to evolving its iconic fighting game intellectual properties. SNK has seen significant investment, with Electronic Gaming Development Company increasing its stake to 100% in 2022. This new studio aims to leverage Harada's considerable experience in the fighting game genre.
Source: Anime News Network(https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2026-05-12/former-tekken-game-producer-katsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-snk/.237297)
