Katsuhiro Harada ends his gaming exile by forming a studio with SNK

Much like the iconic character he created, Heihachi Mishima, you really can’t keep Katushiro Harada away from games development. The man many look to as the father of Bandai Namco’s prolific 3D fighting game Tekken announced that he would be leaving his long time employer at the end of 2025. While he made a guest appearance at the Tekken World Tour 2025 which took place earlier in the year, many have wondered what his next move will be…well we finally know.

In a post appearing on X, the outgoing game developer revealed that he has formed a studio with the assistance of SNK. In a video released on YouTube, Harada revealed the VS Studio’s name, meaning and vision. Many are speculating what type of game will be the studio’s first output. Some referred to a past interview in which Harada praised SNK’s Samurai Shodown, but given the wide swarth of genres he’s touched during his tenure at Bandai Namco…would a fighting game be the only option?

Only time will tell what will come of VS Studio SNK, but given they have Katsuhiro Harada at its helm…I’m expecting great things!

New Studio “VS Studio SNK” Announced | A Message from Katsuhiro Harada

VS Studio SNK office photos: