SNK unveils new VS Studio with former Tekken head, Katsuhiro Harada. Find out more about the newly established SNK studio and what the company and its fans expect from Harada and his new team.
SNK Launches VS Studio in Tokyo Under the Leadership of Katsuhiro Harada
Beyond Tradition, Crafted to Perfection
SNK Corporation has announced VS Studio SNK, a new development house led by former Tekken head Katsuhiro Harada, who joins the firm as its CEO and Representative Director. In a press release on May 13, SNK stated that it will support the launch of the new studio and will make it a consolidated subsidiary.
Following his departure from Bandai Namco last year, Harada is beginning a new chapter at VS Studio. He aims to uphold their ambitious motto: "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," he said.
The Multiple Meanings of VS
During its unveiling, Harada detailed the multi-layered meaning behind the "VS" name. He explained that it represents several core concepts, including "Video game Soft", "Versus", "Visionary Standard", "Volition Shift", and "Vanguard Spirit", all of which symbolize a commitment to challenging tradition and driving innovation.
"By bringing together technology and knowledge, and working with passionate colleagues, we aim to deliver the best gaming experiences to users worldwide. VS Studio aspires to be a studio that continues to take on such challenges, and we are looking for new team members who share our vision," Harada explained.
Welcoming a Strong Rival
For years, SNK and Bandai Namco have been fierce rivals in the gaming industry. During the 1990s, both companies dominated arcades with their respective fighting franchises: SNK with 2D legends like The King of Fighters, Fatal Fury, and Samurai Shodown, and Bandai Namco (then Namco) with 3D powerhouses like Tekken and SoulCalibur.
By the 2010s, the fierce rivalry of the past had evolved into a friendly partnership as both studios began collaborating on high-profile crossovers. Notable examples include the addition of Fatal Fury’s Geese Howard to the Tekken 7 roster and several Tekken icons appearing in the The King of Fighters All-Star mobile game.
The modern rapport between the two companies is driven by the personal friendship of Harada and SNK Producer Yasuyuki Oda, who frequently leverage their mutual respect and "rivalry" to build community hype for their games at major events and on social media.
Now that Harada has jumped ship to SNK, Oda welcomed his "long-time friend and worthy rival." "We’ve long discussed the hypothetical scenario of working together, and now that dream has become a reality. To be honest, nothing has been decided yet, but I have no doubt that things will become even more exciting than ever before," Oda said.
Although SNK and VS Studio have yet to announce specific projects, fans are already buzzing with anticipation. Following Harada’s announcement on X (Twitter), the community expressed both shock and excitement, with many already sharing their high expectations for the new venture.
Some fans hope Harada and VS Studio will revisit older titles like KOF: Maximum Impact for a modern revival. In contrast, others anticipate a complete innovation in the fighting game genre. Regardless, everyone is looking forward to what the new partnership has to offer.
Sources:
Announcement of New Studio Establishment Katsuhiro Harada Appointed as Representative
New Studio "VS Studio SNK" Announced | A Message from Katsuhiro Harada
Katsuhiro Harada X post on VS Studio
