After concluding his tenure at Bandai Namco in late 2025, Katsuhiro Harada has revealed plans to launch VS Studio SNK (henceforth VS Studio), a fresh independent game development venture spearheaded by himself and backed by the Fatal Fury creators at SNK.
Given Harada’s extensive background with the Tekken series, one might naturally assume that the “VS” in his new studio’s name is a nod to “versus,” a common theme in fighting games. While Harada acknowledges this interpretation, he clarifies that the designation is more deeply rooted in his personal development history.
During a collaborative media session attended by AUTOMATON, Harada explained that the letters originate from his and fellow Tekken developer Yuichi Yonemori’s time at Namco’s Video Game Soft Development Department, which was internally abbreviated as the “VS Development Department.” This now-disbanded division served as Namco’s creative software hub, producing not only titles like Tekken but also other groundbreaking games before Namco’s 2005 merger with Bandai.
Though Harada and Yonemori chose the name to honor their shared past, Harada notes that the acronym carries multiple meanings, including evocative options like “Vanguard Spirits” and “Visual Studio,” all of which the studio aspires to embody.
At VS Studio, Harada intends to reconnect with the hands-on process of “making things,” becoming more directly involved in the creative and development aspects of game production alongside his directorial duties. Although he hasn’t yet disclosed the specific projects VS Studio will undertake, he acknowledged the market’s expectations from him and SNK, expressing enthusiasm for exploring competitive gaming experiences.
Regarding VS Studio’s team composition, Harada hopes to draw in youthful talent while also championing the value of “senior” developers, aged 45 or older, within the industry. He envisions the studio as a collaborative environment where fresh, energetic creators and seasoned veterans can unite to craft innovative games.
Harada employs the term “creators” deliberately, as he aims not to restrict potential hires solely to game developers. When questioned about the types of individuals he’d like to see join VS Studio, he mentioned that media representatives could be a strong fit, citing his interactions with journalists who are passionate arcade gamers.
“I believe people who maintain their passion, irrespective of age – such as those with broad game knowledge, extensive playing experience, or connections to numerous developers – are truly suited for development roles. My goal is to welcome as many individuals as possible who bring that curiosity and love for games.”
Mido