TL;DR
Katsuhiro Harada, longtime Tekken director, has established a new game studio called VS Studio under SNK, marking a significant shift in his career. The studio aims to develop innovative fighting games, but details remain early and vague.
Fighting game veteran Katsuhiro Harada has launched a new Tokyo-based studio called VS Studio under SNK, after leaving Bandai Namco in December 2023. This marks a major career shift for Harada, who was the long-time director of the Tekken franchise and an influential figure in fighting games.
Harada left Bandai Namco after 30 years, surprising the fighting game community. He announced the new studio via a short video, explaining that VS Studio is still in its early stages and seeking talented developers. Harada emphasized a focus on creating high-quality games with trusted colleagues, with a philosophy of ‘beyond tradition, crafted to perfection.’ The studio’s name, VS, stands for Visionary Standard, Volition Shift, and Vanguard Spirit, reflecting its innovative ambitions.
SNK, the Japanese developer known for franchises like Fatal Fury, Samurai Shodown, and The King of Fighters, is the parent company of VS Studio. Yasuyuki Oda, a longtime SNK developer, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, though he noted that no concrete projects have been announced yet. The move is notable given SNK’s recent financial backing from the Saudi Arabia-based Electronic Gaming Development Company (EGDC), which acquired SNK in 2022.
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it signals a potential new direction for Harada, one of the most influential figures in fighting games, and could lead to fresh innovations in the genre. It also marks a rare collaboration between a Western rival of Bandai Namco and SNK, suggesting possible shifts in industry alliances. For fans, this could mean new titles and a different creative approach from a veteran developer known for pushing the genre’s boundaries.
However, the full scope of the studio’s projects remains unclear, and it is uncertain when new games might be announced or released. The involvement of SNK and Harada’s leadership are promising signs, but concrete details are still emerging.
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Background
Harada’s departure from Bandai Namco in December 2023 ended a three-decade tenure during which he shaped the Tekken franchise into a global phenomenon. His move to SNK under the new studio, VS Studio, is a notable industry shift, especially given SNK’s historical focus on classic fighting game franchises. The acquisition of SNK by the EGDC in 2022 has also raised questions about the company’s future direction and investments in gaming, amid broader industry concerns over Saudi-backed funding and its implications.
“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.”
— Katsuhiro Harada
“We’ve long discussed the hypothetical scenario of working together and now that dream has become a reality. Nothing has been decided yet, but I have no doubt that things will become even more exciting than ever before.”
— Yasuyuki Oda
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear what specific games or projects VS Studio will develop, nor when they might be announced or released. The studio is still in its infancy, and details about its direction remain vague. Additionally, the impact of SNK’s recent ownership and financial backing on the studio’s creative output is still uncertain.
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What’s Next
Harada and VS Studio are expected to gradually reveal their plans, potentially announcing new fighting games or collaborations in the coming months. Industry watchers will be monitoring for official project announcements, staffing updates, and strategic partnerships.
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Key Questions
What is VS Studio?
VS Studio is a new Tokyo-based game development team founded by Katsuhiro Harada, under the ownership of SNK. It aims to create innovative fighting games and other titles.
Why did Harada leave Bandai Namco?
Harada left after 30 years with Bandai Namco, though specific reasons have not been publicly detailed. His departure surprised the fighting game community and marks a new chapter in his career.
What kind of games might VS Studio develop?
While no specific projects have been announced, it is expected that Harada’s expertise will focus on fighting games or similar genres, leveraging his experience with Tekken.
How does SNK’s ownership influence VS Studio?
SNK’s recent acquisition by the Saudi-backed EGDC has raised questions about the studio’s funding and strategic direction, but concrete impacts remain unclear at this stage.
When will we see new games from VS Studio?
There are no official timelines yet. Fans should watch for future announcements, likely in the coming months as the studio develops its projects.
