Veteran developer Katsuhiro Harada, best known for his long tenure as head of the Tekken series at Bandai Namco, has joined SNK and founded a new internal subsidiary called VS Studio, SNK announced.
The move pairs Harada’s high-profile development experience with SNK’s legacy franchises and marks a significant personnel shift within the Japanese fighting-game scene.
SNK said it will collaborate with VS Studio to “further strengthen their development capabilities” in game software development.
Harada’s arrival brings decades of production and direction experience to SNK, a company with a history of supporting classic and modern releases across platforms including the Nintendo Switch and digital distribution via storefronts such as the eShop.
In a video message accompanying SNK’s announcement, Harada outlined the studio’s mission and core philosophy.
He said VS Studio will operate under the slogan “Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection,” and emphasized that the studio will combine technical skill, creative sensibility, and accumulated expertise to pursue high-quality game experiences.
Harada described the new workspace as intentionally open and collaborative—designed to spark new ideas and produce memorable titles.
Harada also explained the intent behind the studio’s name.
He noted that “VS” carries multiple meanings: a nod to “Video game Soft,” a reference to the competitive spirit of “Versus,” and broader concepts such as “Visionary Standard,” “Volition Shift,” and “Vanguard Spirit.” According to Harada, those themes reflect a desire to challenge traditions and pursue innovation while creating an environment where developers can perform at their best.
SNK and Harada said VS Studio will recruit talent who share the studio’s vision and ambition to deliver standout gaming experiences to players worldwide.
While no specific projects, platforms or release dates were announced, the partnership is notable given Harada’s history leading Tekken and SNK’s stewardship of franchises such as The King of Fighters.
Both companies have track records of bringing fighting games and retro catalog titles to modern platforms including the Nintendo Switch.
As VS Studio begins work under SNK’s umbrella, the games industry will watch for formal project announcements and platform targets.
For now, SNK’s statement and Harada’s message establish the studio’s goals: a collaborative, challenge-driven development house focused on quality and innovation.
The move pairs Harada’s high-profile development experience with SNK’s legacy franchises and marks a significant personnel shift within the Japanese fighting-game scene.
SNK said it will collaborate with VS Studio to “further strengthen their development capabilities” in game software development.
Harada’s arrival brings decades of production and direction experience to SNK, a company with a history of supporting classic and modern releases across platforms including the Nintendo Switch and digital distribution via storefronts such as the eShop.
In a video message accompanying SNK’s announcement, Harada outlined the studio’s mission and core philosophy.
He said VS Studio will operate under the slogan “Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection,” and emphasized that the studio will combine technical skill, creative sensibility, and accumulated expertise to pursue high-quality game experiences.
Harada described the new workspace as intentionally open and collaborative—designed to spark new ideas and produce memorable titles.
Harada also explained the intent behind the studio’s name.
He noted that “VS” carries multiple meanings: a nod to “Video game Soft,” a reference to the competitive spirit of “Versus,” and broader concepts such as “Visionary Standard,” “Volition Shift,” and “Vanguard Spirit.” According to Harada, those themes reflect a desire to challenge traditions and pursue innovation while creating an environment where developers can perform at their best.
SNK and Harada said VS Studio will recruit talent who share the studio’s vision and ambition to deliver standout gaming experiences to players worldwide.
While no specific projects, platforms or release dates were announced, the partnership is notable given Harada’s history leading Tekken and SNK’s stewardship of franchises such as The King of Fighters.
Both companies have track records of bringing fighting games and retro catalog titles to modern platforms including the Nintendo Switch.
As VS Studio begins work under SNK’s umbrella, the games industry will watch for formal project announcements and platform targets.
For now, SNK’s statement and Harada’s message establish the studio’s goals: a collaborative, challenge-driven development house focused on quality and innovation.
