A new chapter for the legendary video game director.
After departing Bandai Namco last December, Katsuhiro Harada, the longtime director of Tekken, has returned in surprising fashion by joining forces with SNK to establish a new subsidiary, VS Studio.
The legendary game developer has chosen to build the independent studio with financial backing from SNK, as he looks to make the most of his “remaining time as a game developer” by focusing on creating truly great products.
Watch the announcement video below:
“Over the years of game development, I have always thought about how to live my future as a developer and what kind of environment allows developers to perform at their best. VS Studio is one of the answers,” Harada’s statement reads.
“[VS Studio] will bring together technology, sensibility, and world-class knowledge to pursue the limit. By fostering a free, open environment with room to breathe, we aim to generate new ideas and create experiences that leave a lasting impression.”
Harada broke down the meaning behind VS Studios, which “contains many meanings that symbolize innovation and challenge” revealing that it takes them back to development roots in "Video game Soft (VS Development Department)", with terms like "Visionary Standard", "Volition Shift", and "Vanguard Spirit" among the various meanings.
The game director continues: “We bring together technology and knowledge, and together with passionate colleagues, we deliver the best gaming experience to users around the world. VS Studio wants to be a studio that continues to take on such challenges, and we are looking for talented individuals who share our aspirations.”
VS Studio is launched with the philosophy of: "Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection".
An SNK developer Yasuyuki Oda commented on his arrival, “I am extremely proud to welcome Mr. Katsuhiro Harada, who has been a long-time friend and a worthy rival to us, into our group,”
“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. We look forward to your continued support for SNK and VS Studio.”
A new venture for Katsuhiro Harada
Katsuhiro Harada’s move to SNK has sparked waves of excitement across the wider gaming community. The 55-year-old played a central role in the iconic Tekken franchise, having directed or produced most entries in the series. He also lent his voice to characters such as Yoshimitsu and the father-son duo, Marshall Law and Forest Law, in earlier editions.
After more than three decades with Bandai Namco and years headlining major Tekken projects, Harada stepped away, bringing a remarkable era to a close.
With a brand-new indie studio under his wings, fans are eager to see what the legendary developer has planned next. No official roadmap or game projects have been revealed so far.
