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Harada Leads SNK’s VS Studio, Focuses on Fighting Games

5/13/2026

Summary

Harada Leads VS

Katsuhiro Harada, who left Bandai Namco in December 2025, was appointed Representative Director/CEO of VS Studio, a SNK subsidiary, May 12, 2026.
VS Studio will operate from Tokyo, adopt “Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection” philosophy, launch its website in June 2026 and recruit developers.
SNK, 96% owned by Saudi Arabia’s Electronic Gaming Development Company, plans a Neo Geo re-release console in 2026 and says the studio will focus on fighting titles.

Summary

Saudi Acquires SNK

SNK’s CEO resigned after the commercial disappointment of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves released last year.
Saudi Arabia’s state investment now gives it a 96% stake in SNK Global, raising ethical concerns over the kingdom’s human-rights record.
Former Tekken director Yuichi Yonemori joined VS Studio as chief creative officer, recruiting developers who share its “free, open, and spacious” vision.

Summary

Ronaldo cameo

Cristiano Ronaldo and DJ Salvatore Ganacci appear in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, a Saudi-backed move.
SNK says the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation’s stake does not affect it, but the cameos spark Saudi-influence speculation.
Harada’s combative, lively public and social-media presence has built a dedicated fan following.
The studio’s principle stresses merging technology, sensibility and expertise for superior games, with “VS” also standing for “Video game Soft.”

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Harada Leads VS

Katsuhiro Harada, who left Bandai Namco in December 2025, was appointed Representative Director/CEO of VS Studio, a SNK subsidiary, May 12, 2026.
VS Studio will operate from Tokyo, adopt “Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection” philosophy, launch its website in June 2026 and recruit developers.
SNK, 96% owned by Saudi Arabia’s Electronic Gaming Development Company, plans a Neo Geo re-release console in 2026 and says the studio will focus on fighting titles.

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