Former Tekken Lead Katsuhiro Harada Sets Up Own Company, VS Studio

Former Tekken director, Katsuhiro Harada, has established his own game development company, VS Studio.

Drawing on his 31 years of experience at Bandai Namco, Harada has teamed up with SNK Corporation — the developer/publisher best known for its Neo Geo system and fighting games like The King of Fighters, Fatal Fury, and Samurai Showdown — to found a studio that is “beyond tradition, crafted to perfection.”

The “VS” part of the newly formed studio’s identity has “various meanings,” reflecting the roots in Video game Software design — games, in other words — as well as “versus” in the sense of taking on a challenge. According to Harada, it also holds multiple other meanings symbolizing innovation and competition, too, including Visionary Standard, Volition Shift, and Vanguard Spirit.

“We will combine technology, sensibility, and world-class expertise to pursue the ultimate,” Harada, who will lead the company as both representative director and CEO, said. “From a free, open, and spacious environment, we will generate new ideas and create memorable games. We established this studio to bring this vision to life.”

The studio is headquartered in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo. It’s not yet clear what kind of game Harada is making, but with a storied history in fighting games, we can probably guess.

“Having been involved in game development for many years, I’ve constantly considered how I want to spend my time as a developer and what kind of environment allows developers to perform at their best. VS Studio is one answer to that question,” Harada added.

“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. Please look forward to the future of VS Studio.”

Harada announced he would be leaving Bandai Namco back in December, having spoken publicly about his difficult relationship with both the Tekken franchise and IP holder, Bandai Namco. Tekken 8 had caused a great deal of friction between players and the development team, and Harada stepped in multiple times on social media to address fan concern, including the time he addressed a row over the sale of premium stage DLC.

Prior to that, he was similarly candid about why Soul Calibur disappeared, and has spoken about trying and failing to get KFC mascot Colonel Sanders in Tekken.

Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.