{"id":1932979,"date":"2026-05-13T10:03:29","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T07:03:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1932979"},"modified":"2026-05-13T10:03:29","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T07:03:29","slug":"former-tekken-director-katsuhiro-harada-is-back-with-a-new-game-development-company","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1932979","title":{"rendered":"Former &#8216;Tekken&#8217; Director Katsuhiro Harada Is Back With a New Game Development Company"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-tw.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-post-body col\">\n<div class=\"row post-body\">\n<aside class=\"post-body-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-upper\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-category d-none d-lg-block\">\n<p>    Gaming\n                                                                                                    <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-published d-none d-lg-block\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-05-13T10:03:29Z\">2 Hrs ago<\/time><\/div>\n<ul class=\"post-body-sidebar-hype-comments-container list-unstyled d-none d-lg-block\">\n<li><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             51<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-sm-inline text\">Comments<\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-author d-none d-lg-block\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Sources<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\"><span>3<\/span><span>Articles<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-credentials d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"credential\">\n<h6>Editor Assistant<\/h6>\n<p><span>Mai Vo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-share d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<article class=\"post-body-article\">\n<div class=\"post-gallery-container small inner-media\">\n<div class=\"gallery-container post-gallery-contain\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Former 'Tekken' Director Katsuhiro Harada Is Back With a New Game Development Company\">\n<div class=\"hb-gallery before-booted full-screen-enabled only-one-cell \" data-images='[{\"image\":{\"description\":\"\",\"caption\":\"\",\"image_caption\":null,\"small\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?w=480&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"medium\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?w=720&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"large\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"xlarge\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"full\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\"},\"src\":\"https:\/\/hypebeast.com\/image\/2026\/05\/13\/katsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg\",\"alt\":\"Katsuhiro Harada with VS Studio SNK branding and Visionary Standard tagline\",\"width\":1400,\"height\":933,\"credit\":\"Leon Bennett\/WireImage\",\"caption\":\"\",\"creditKey\":\"general\",\"description\":\"\",\"annotations\":null,\"shop\":{\"url\":null,\"label\":null}}]' role=\"list\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell landscape\" data-gallery-index=\"1\" role=\"listitem\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-inner-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-image-wrapper annotation-container fixed-ratio-3-2\">\n                                                                                                        <source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?q=90&amp;w=1400&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"(min-width: 1260px)\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-meta-container credit-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"credit \">Leon Bennett\/Wireimage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-body-top-bar\" class=\"post-body-top-bar d-block d-lg-none\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Gaming<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-05-13T10:03:29Z\">2 Hrs ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             51<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content\">\n<p><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Former Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada has launched VS Studio, a new Tokyo-based game developer established as a consolidated subsidiary of SNK<\/li>\n<li>The legendary creator departed Bandai Namco in late 2025 after a 31-year tenure and will now serve as the fledgling studio\u2019s Representative Director and CEO<\/li>\n<li>Operating under the philosophy \u201cBeyond tradition, crafted to perfection,\u201d the team is actively recruiting to build next-generation gaming experiences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Former <em>Tekken<\/em> director Katsuhiro Harada is officially back in the arena. Following his departure from Bandai Namco at the end of 2025, the veteran creator behind the blockbuster fighting franchise has returned to launch VS Studio. Headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, the newly minted developer operates as a consolidated subsidiary of SNK, the powerhouse publisher known for historic arcade franchises. This unprecedented alliance unites former arcade rivals under one roof, permanently shifting the competitive fighting game landscape. During his historic 31-year run at his former employer, Harada shaped the modern 3D fighting genre, making his sudden jump to a historic competitor a seismic industry event.<\/p>\n<p>Specific projects remain firmly under wraps, but the studio\u2019s foundation is already coming into sharp focus. Harada revealed that the \u201cVS\u201d in the company moniker represents multiple core concepts, drawing from their roots in \u201cVideo game Soft\u201d while embracing terms like Visionary Standard, Volition Shift, and Vanguard Spirit. SNK producer Yasuyuki Oda\u2014the driving force behind recent heavy hitters like City of the Wolves\u2014expressed immense excitement about the collaboration. Oda noted that the two industry icons had long discussed the hypothetical scenario of working together, declaring that things will undoubtedly become more exciting than ever before. Guided by the overarching philosophy \u201cBeyond tradition, crafted to perfection,\u201d the team is currently hunting for top-tier talent to build out its initial roster.\n<\/p>\n<p>Financial backing for Harada\u2019s ambitious vision stems from a revitalized SNK. The Osaka-based corporation has experienced massive structural shifts in recent years, heavily supported by its 2022 majority acquisition by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation. This massive influx of capital has allowed the publisher to take aggressive creative swings, including highly publicized crossovers and now the acquisition of fighting game royalty. Securing an executive of this caliber signals that the publisher is not merely resting on its retro laurels but actively positioning itself to dominate the next generation of competitive gaming. As SNK Corporation aggressively expands its development capabilities, all eyes are on Tokyo to see what this legendary crossover will ultimately produce. The broader fighting game community is already buzzing with speculation about what genre-defining mechanics this new venture will introduce to the market.<\/p>\n<div class=\"show-article\">\n<p>                                                            Read Full Article<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<footer>\n<section class=\"post-widget-sources\">\n<header>\n<h4>Sources<\/h4>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"sources-grid\">\n<div class=\"source-item\">\n<p class=\"source-name\"><span>gematsu.com<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"source-item\">\n<p class=\"source-name\"><span>vs-studio.com<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"related-stories-main-wrapper\">\n<h3>Related Stories<\/h3>\n<div class=\"stories-container\" data-layer-list-name=\"related_stories\" data-layer-list-offset=\"0\" data-layer-list-child-selector=\".story-item\">\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6719630\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>SEGA Has Cancelled Its \u201cSuper Game\u201d And Will Instead Revive Classic Franchises\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6718243\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>New Arrivals From HBX: WTAPS\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6718265\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Steve Kerr&#8217;s New Contract Makes Him The Highest-Paid Coach in NBA History\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-email-signup-wrapper impression-tracker\">\n<h3>We got you covered. Don\u2019t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.<\/h3>\n<div class=\"terms\">By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-author d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Sources<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\"><span>3<\/span><span>Articles<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-credentials d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<div class=\"credential\">\n<h6>Editor Assistant<\/h6>\n<p><span>Mai Vo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-share d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content-tags\">\n<div class=\"body collapsed\">\n<p>    Bandai NamcoKatsuhiro HaradaVS StudioSNK Corporation\n                                                            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-footer\" class=\"post-footer row\">\n<div class=\"col-shopping-break\">\n<hr>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col-comments\">\n<div id=\"comments\" class=\"post-comments none \">\n<header>\n<div class=\"heading\"><span class=\"comment-count\">0<\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"comment-dropdown-tooltip\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n<li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row post-body\">\n<aside class=\"post-body-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-upper\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-category d-none d-lg-block\">\n<p>    Gaming\n                                                                                                    <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-published d-none d-lg-block\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-05-13T10:03:29Z\">2 Hrs ago<\/time><\/div>\n<ul class=\"post-body-sidebar-hype-comments-container list-unstyled d-none d-lg-block\">\n<li><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             51<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-sm-inline text\">Comments<\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-author d-none d-lg-block\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Sources<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\"><span>3<\/span><span>Articles<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-credentials d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"credential\">\n<h6>Editor Assistant<\/h6>\n<p><span>Mai Vo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-share d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<article class=\"post-body-article\">\n<div class=\"post-gallery-container small inner-media\">\n<div class=\"gallery-container post-gallery-contain\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Former 'Tekken' Director Katsuhiro Harada Is Back With a New Game Development Company\">\n<div class=\"hb-gallery before-booted full-screen-enabled only-one-cell \" data-images='[{\"image\":{\"description\":\"\",\"caption\":\"\",\"image_caption\":null,\"small\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?w=480&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"medium\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?w=720&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"large\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"xlarge\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"full\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\"},\"src\":\"https:\/\/hypebeast.com\/image\/2026\/05\/13\/katsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg\",\"alt\":\"Katsuhiro Harada with VS Studio SNK branding and Visionary Standard tagline\",\"width\":1400,\"height\":933,\"credit\":\"Leon Bennett\/WireImage\",\"caption\":\"\",\"creditKey\":\"general\",\"description\":\"\",\"annotations\":null,\"shop\":{\"url\":null,\"label\":null}}]' role=\"list\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell landscape\" data-gallery-index=\"1\" role=\"listitem\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-inner-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-image-wrapper annotation-container fixed-ratio-3-2\">\n                                                                                                        <source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?q=90&amp;w=1400&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"(min-width: 1260px)\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-meta-container credit-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"credit \">Leon Bennett\/Wireimage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-body-top-bar\" class=\"post-body-top-bar d-block d-lg-none\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Gaming<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-05-13T10:03:29Z\">2 Hrs ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             51<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content\">\n<p><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Former Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada has launched VS Studio, a new Tokyo-based game developer established as a consolidated subsidiary of SNK<\/li>\n<li>The legendary creator departed Bandai Namco in late 2025 after a 31-year tenure and will now serve as the fledgling studio\u2019s Representative Director and CEO<\/li>\n<li>Operating under the philosophy \u201cBeyond tradition, crafted to perfection,\u201d the team is actively recruiting to build next-generation gaming experiences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Former <em>Tekken<\/em> director Katsuhiro Harada is officially back in the arena. Following his departure from Bandai Namco at the end of 2025, the veteran creator behind the blockbuster fighting franchise has returned to launch VS Studio. Headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, the newly minted developer operates as a consolidated subsidiary of SNK, the powerhouse publisher known for historic arcade franchises. This unprecedented alliance unites former arcade rivals under one roof, permanently shifting the competitive fighting game landscape. During his historic 31-year run at his former employer, Harada shaped the modern 3D fighting genre, making his sudden jump to a historic competitor a seismic industry event.<\/p>\n<p>Specific projects remain firmly under wraps, but the studio\u2019s foundation is already coming into sharp focus. Harada revealed that the \u201cVS\u201d in the company moniker represents multiple core concepts, drawing from their roots in \u201cVideo game Soft\u201d while embracing terms like Visionary Standard, Volition Shift, and Vanguard Spirit. SNK producer Yasuyuki Oda\u2014the driving force behind recent heavy hitters like City of the Wolves\u2014expressed immense excitement about the collaboration. Oda noted that the two industry icons had long discussed the hypothetical scenario of working together, declaring that things will undoubtedly become more exciting than ever before. Guided by the overarching philosophy \u201cBeyond tradition, crafted to perfection,\u201d the team is currently hunting for top-tier talent to build out its initial roster.\n<\/p>\n<p>Financial backing for Harada\u2019s ambitious vision stems from a revitalized SNK. The Osaka-based corporation has experienced massive structural shifts in recent years, heavily supported by its 2022 majority acquisition by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation. This massive influx of capital has allowed the publisher to take aggressive creative swings, including highly publicized crossovers and now the acquisition of fighting game royalty. Securing an executive of this caliber signals that the publisher is not merely resting on its retro laurels but actively positioning itself to dominate the next generation of competitive gaming. As SNK Corporation aggressively expands its development capabilities, all eyes are on Tokyo to see what this legendary crossover will ultimately produce. The broader fighting game community is already buzzing with speculation about what genre-defining mechanics this new venture will introduce to the market.<\/p>\n<div class=\"show-article\">\n<p>                                                            Read Full Article<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<footer>\n<section class=\"post-widget-sources\">\n<header>\n<h4>Sources<\/h4>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"sources-grid\">\n<div class=\"source-item\">\n<p class=\"source-name\"><span>gematsu.com<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"source-item\">\n<p class=\"source-name\"><span>vs-studio.com<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"related-stories-main-wrapper\">\n<h3>Related Stories<\/h3>\n<div class=\"stories-container\" data-layer-list-name=\"related_stories\" data-layer-list-offset=\"0\" data-layer-list-child-selector=\".story-item\">\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6719630\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>SEGA Has Cancelled Its \u201cSuper Game\u201d And Will Instead Revive Classic Franchises\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6718243\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>New Arrivals From HBX: WTAPS\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6718265\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Steve Kerr&#8217;s New Contract Makes Him The Highest-Paid Coach in NBA History\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-email-signup-wrapper impression-tracker\">\n<h3>We got you covered. Don\u2019t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.<\/h3>\n<div class=\"terms\">By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-author d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Sources<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\"><span>3<\/span><span>Articles<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-credentials d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<div class=\"credential\">\n<h6>Editor Assistant<\/h6>\n<p><span>Mai Vo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-share d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content-tags\">\n<div class=\"body collapsed\">\n<p>    Bandai NamcoKatsuhiro HaradaVS StudioSNK Corporation\n                                                            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-upper\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-category d-none d-lg-block\">\n<p>    Gaming\n                                                                                                    <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-published d-none d-lg-block\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-05-13T10:03:29Z\">2 Hrs ago<\/time><\/div>\n<ul class=\"post-body-sidebar-hype-comments-container list-unstyled d-none d-lg-block\">\n<li><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             51<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-sm-inline text\">Comments<\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-author d-none d-lg-block\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Sources<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\"><span>3<\/span><span>Articles<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-credentials d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"credential\">\n<h6>Editor Assistant<\/h6>\n<p><span>Mai Vo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-share d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-category d-none d-lg-block\">\n<p>    Gaming\n                                                                                                    <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-published d-none d-lg-block\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-05-13T10:03:29Z\">2 Hrs ago<\/time><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-author d-none d-lg-block\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Sources<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\"><span>3<\/span><span>Articles<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-credentials d-none d-lg-block\">\n<div class=\"credential\">\n<h6>Editor Assistant<\/h6>\n<p><span>Mai Vo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-sidebar-share d-none d-lg-block\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<article class=\"post-body-article\">\n<div class=\"post-gallery-container small inner-media\">\n<div class=\"gallery-container post-gallery-contain\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Former 'Tekken' Director Katsuhiro Harada Is Back With a New Game Development Company\">\n<div class=\"hb-gallery before-booted full-screen-enabled only-one-cell \" data-images='[{\"image\":{\"description\":\"\",\"caption\":\"\",\"image_caption\":null,\"small\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?w=480&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"medium\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?w=720&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"large\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"xlarge\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\",\"full\":\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?w=1440&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max\"},\"src\":\"https:\/\/hypebeast.com\/image\/2026\/05\/13\/katsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg\",\"alt\":\"Katsuhiro Harada with VS Studio SNK branding and Visionary Standard tagline\",\"width\":1400,\"height\":933,\"credit\":\"Leon Bennett\/WireImage\",\"caption\":\"\",\"creditKey\":\"general\",\"description\":\"\",\"annotations\":null,\"shop\":{\"url\":null,\"label\":null}}]' role=\"list\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell landscape\" data-gallery-index=\"1\" role=\"listitem\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-inner-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"carousel-cell-image-wrapper annotation-container fixed-ratio-3-2\">\n                                                                                                        <source data-srcset=\"https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-1.jpg?q=90&amp;w=1400&amp;cbr=1&amp;fit=max\" media=\"(min-width: 1260px)\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"gallery-meta-container credit-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"credit \">Leon Bennett\/Wireimage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-body-top-bar\" class=\"post-body-top-bar d-block d-lg-none\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Gaming<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-05-13T10:03:29Z\">2 Hrs ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             51<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content\">\n<p><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Former Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada has launched VS Studio, a new Tokyo-based game developer established as a consolidated subsidiary of SNK<\/li>\n<li>The legendary creator departed Bandai Namco in late 2025 after a 31-year tenure and will now serve as the fledgling studio\u2019s Representative Director and CEO<\/li>\n<li>Operating under the philosophy \u201cBeyond tradition, crafted to perfection,\u201d the team is actively recruiting to build next-generation gaming experiences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Former <em>Tekken<\/em> director Katsuhiro Harada is officially back in the arena. Following his departure from Bandai Namco at the end of 2025, the veteran creator behind the blockbuster fighting franchise has returned to launch VS Studio. Headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, the newly minted developer operates as a consolidated subsidiary of SNK, the powerhouse publisher known for historic arcade franchises. This unprecedented alliance unites former arcade rivals under one roof, permanently shifting the competitive fighting game landscape. During his historic 31-year run at his former employer, Harada shaped the modern 3D fighting genre, making his sudden jump to a historic competitor a seismic industry event.<\/p>\n<p>Specific projects remain firmly under wraps, but the studio\u2019s foundation is already coming into sharp focus. Harada revealed that the \u201cVS\u201d in the company moniker represents multiple core concepts, drawing from their roots in \u201cVideo game Soft\u201d while embracing terms like Visionary Standard, Volition Shift, and Vanguard Spirit. SNK producer Yasuyuki Oda\u2014the driving force behind recent heavy hitters like City of the Wolves\u2014expressed immense excitement about the collaboration. Oda noted that the two industry icons had long discussed the hypothetical scenario of working together, declaring that things will undoubtedly become more exciting than ever before. Guided by the overarching philosophy \u201cBeyond tradition, crafted to perfection,\u201d the team is currently hunting for top-tier talent to build out its initial roster.\n<\/p>\n<p>Financial backing for Harada\u2019s ambitious vision stems from a revitalized SNK. The Osaka-based corporation has experienced massive structural shifts in recent years, heavily supported by its 2022 majority acquisition by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation. This massive influx of capital has allowed the publisher to take aggressive creative swings, including highly publicized crossovers and now the acquisition of fighting game royalty. Securing an executive of this caliber signals that the publisher is not merely resting on its retro laurels but actively positioning itself to dominate the next generation of competitive gaming. As SNK Corporation aggressively expands its development capabilities, all eyes are on Tokyo to see what this legendary crossover will ultimately produce. The broader fighting game community is already buzzing with speculation about what genre-defining mechanics this new venture will introduce to the market.<\/p>\n<div class=\"show-article\">\n<p>                                                            Read Full Article<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<footer>\n<section class=\"post-widget-sources\">\n<header>\n<h4>Sources<\/h4>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"sources-grid\">\n<div class=\"source-item\">\n<p class=\"source-name\"><span>gematsu.com<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"source-item\">\n<p class=\"source-name\"><span>vs-studio.com<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"related-stories-main-wrapper\">\n<h3>Related Stories<\/h3>\n<div class=\"stories-container\" data-layer-list-name=\"related_stories\" data-layer-list-offset=\"0\" data-layer-list-child-selector=\".story-item\">\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6719630\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>SEGA Has Cancelled Its \u201cSuper Game\u201d And Will Instead Revive Classic Franchises\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6718243\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>New Arrivals From HBX: WTAPS\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"story-item\" data-layer-item-id=\"6718265\" data-layer-item-blog-id=\"1\" data-layer-item-type=\"post\"><span>&gt;<\/span>Steve Kerr&#8217;s New Contract Makes Him The Highest-Paid Coach in NBA History\n                                                                        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-email-signup-wrapper impression-tracker\">\n<h3>We got you covered. Don\u2019t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.<\/h3>\n<div class=\"terms\">By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-author d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Sources<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\"><span>3<\/span><span>Articles<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-credentials d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<div class=\"credential\">\n<h6>Editor Assistant<\/h6>\n<p><span>Mai Vo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-share d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content-tags\">\n<div class=\"body collapsed\">\n<p>    Bandai NamcoKatsuhiro HaradaVS StudioSNK Corporation\n                                                            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<div id=\"post-body-top-bar\" class=\"post-body-top-bar d-block d-lg-none\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Gaming<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-05-13T10:03:29Z\">2 Hrs ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             51<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-share-meta-container\">\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Gaming<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-05-13T10:03:29Z\">2 Hrs ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-meta\"><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-category\"><\/p>\n<p>    Gaming<br \/>\n                                                    <\/span><span class=\"post-body-top-bar-published\"><time class=\"timeago\" datetime=\"2026-05-13T10:03:29Z\">2 Hrs ago<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-top-bar-hype-comments-container \"><span class=\"hype-count grey\"><br \/>\n             51<br \/>\n    <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Views<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"disqus-comment-count\"><span>0<\/span><span>\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"d-none d-none text\">Comments<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"floating-tooltip\" role=\"tooltip\"><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"text\">Save<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content\">\n<p><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Former Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada has launched VS Studio, a new Tokyo-based game developer established as a consolidated subsidiary of SNK<\/li>\n<li>The legendary creator departed Bandai Namco in late 2025 after a 31-year tenure and will now serve as the fledgling studio\u2019s Representative Director and CEO<\/li>\n<li>Operating under the philosophy \u201cBeyond tradition, crafted to perfection,\u201d the team is actively recruiting to build next-generation gaming experiences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Former <em>Tekken<\/em> director Katsuhiro Harada is officially back in the arena. Following his departure from Bandai Namco at the end of 2025, the veteran creator behind the blockbuster fighting franchise has returned to launch VS Studio. Headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, the newly minted developer operates as a consolidated subsidiary of SNK, the powerhouse publisher known for historic arcade franchises. This unprecedented alliance unites former arcade rivals under one roof, permanently shifting the competitive fighting game landscape. During his historic 31-year run at his former employer, Harada shaped the modern 3D fighting genre, making his sudden jump to a historic competitor a seismic industry event.<\/p>\n<p>Specific projects remain firmly under wraps, but the studio\u2019s foundation is already coming into sharp focus. Harada revealed that the \u201cVS\u201d in the company moniker represents multiple core concepts, drawing from their roots in \u201cVideo game Soft\u201d while embracing terms like Visionary Standard, Volition Shift, and Vanguard Spirit. SNK producer Yasuyuki Oda\u2014the driving force behind recent heavy hitters like City of the Wolves\u2014expressed immense excitement about the collaboration. Oda noted that the two industry icons had long discussed the hypothetical scenario of working together, declaring that things will undoubtedly become more exciting than ever before. Guided by the overarching philosophy \u201cBeyond tradition, crafted to perfection,\u201d the team is currently hunting for top-tier talent to build out its initial roster.\n<\/p>\n<p>Financial backing for Harada\u2019s ambitious vision stems from a revitalized SNK. The Osaka-based corporation has experienced massive structural shifts in recent years, heavily supported by its 2022 majority acquisition by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation. This massive influx of capital has allowed the publisher to take aggressive creative swings, including highly publicized crossovers and now the acquisition of fighting game royalty. Securing an executive of this caliber signals that the publisher is not merely resting on its retro laurels but actively positioning itself to dominate the next generation of competitive gaming. As SNK Corporation aggressively expands its development capabilities, all eyes are on Tokyo to see what this legendary crossover will ultimately produce. The broader fighting game community is already buzzing with speculation about what genre-defining mechanics this new venture will introduce to the market.<\/p>\n<div class=\"show-article\">\n<p>                                                            Read Full Article<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-author d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider share-divider\">\n<h6>Sources<\/h6>\n<p><span class=\"author-name\"><span>3<\/span><span>Articles<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-credentials d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<div class=\"credential\">\n<h6>Editor Assistant<\/h6>\n<p><span>Mai Vo<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-share d-block d-lg-none\">\n<hr class=\"sidebar-divider\">\n<h6>Share this article<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-body-content-tags\">\n<div class=\"body collapsed\">\n<p>    Bandai NamcoKatsuhiro HaradaVS StudioSNK Corporation\n                                                            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<article class=\"source-item\">\n<header class=\"source-name\"><span>gematsu.com<\/span><\/header>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"source-item\">\n<header class=\"source-name\"><span>vs-studio.com<\/span><\/header>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"source-item\">\n<header class=\"source-name\"><span>gamesindustry.biz<\/span><\/header>\n<\/article>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/hypebeast.com\/2026\/5\/katsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/image-cdn.hypb.st\/https%3A%2F%2Fhypebeast.com%2Fimage%2F2026%2F05%2F13%2Fkatsuhiro-harada-launches-vs-studio-under-snk-tw.jpg?w=1080&amp;cbr=1&amp;q=90&amp;fit=max&#8221;] Gaming 2 Hrs ago 51 Views 0\u00a0Comments Comments Save Sources 3Articles Editor Assistant Mai Vo Share this article Leon Bennett\/Wireimage Gaming 2 Hrs ago 51 Views 0\u00a0Comments Comments Save Summary Former Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada has launched VS Studio, a new Tokyo-based game developer established as a consolidated subsidiary of SNK The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,39],"class_list":["post-1932979","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-hypebeast-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1932979","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1932979"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1932979\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1932979"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1932979"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1932979"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}