Full Breakdown
SNK Launches VS Studio Under Tekken Veteran Katsuhiro Harada
5/13/2026, 12:12:47 AM
Core Announcement
SNK Corporation announced VS Studio, a Tokyo-based game development subsidiary. Katsuhiro Harada, former Bandai Namco director and long-time Tekken producer, will serve as Representative Director and CEO. SNK will invest, make it a consolidated subsidiary, and collaborate on software development. VS Studio was established on 1 May 2026; its website is slated for June 2026.
Background & Ownership Context
Harada spent over three decades at Bandai Namco, directing Tekken titles from 1997 and contributing to Code Vein and Tales of Arise before leaving in December 2025. SNK, known for Fatal Fury, The King of Fighters, and Metal Slug, has been majority-owned by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation since 2022 and says the ownership does not affect daily operations. Participants include Harada as VS Studio’s head and Yasuyuki Oda, SNK producer of King of Fighters XV and Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.
Timeline & Data
1997-2025: Harada leads Tekken at Bandai Namco. Dec 2025: Harada departs. 2022: Saudi foundation acquires SNK majority stake. 1 May 2026: VS Studio becomes an SNK subsidiary. June 2026: website launch. Harada’s tenure totals 31 years; SNK’s Saudi ownership began in 2022; VS Studio founded 1 May 2026; SNK’s latest release is Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves (2026).
Official Statements
Yasuyuki Oda said the partnership “has no doubt that things will become even more exciting than ever before,” and noted “nothing has been decided yet.” Harada described VS Studio’s philosophy as “Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection” and said the studio will combine technology, sensibility, and expertise. SNK reiterated that its Saudi ownership does not influence operational decisions.
Criticism & Opposition
Observers linked SNK’s Saudi ownership to the inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo and DJ Salvatore Ganacci as playable characters in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, suggesting external influence. SNK denies any operational impact from its majority shareholder.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on foundation’s influence: SNK claims no effect, while critics attribute character selections to the ownership. No details about VS Studio’s inaugural project have been released, leaving its future direction uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “to be honest, nothing has been decided yet” — Yasuyuki Oda, Producer, SNK
- “To be honest, nothing has been decided yet, but I have no doubt that things will become even more exciting than ever before.” — Yasuyuki Oda, Producer, SNK
- “Mr Katsuhiro Harada has been a long-time friend and worthy rival to us” — Yasuyuki Oda, Producer, SNK
- “Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection.” — Katsuhiro Harada, Representative Director/CEO, VS Studio
- “combine technology, sensibility, and world-class expertise to pursue the ultimate.” — Katsuhiro Harada, Representative Director/CEO, VS Studio
Future Outlook
VS Studio is recruiting talent and will announce its first game once development milestones are reached. The upcoming website will provide updates on staffing, project announcements, and further collaboration with SNK.
