SNK has announced the establishment of a new game development studio led by longtime industry veteran Katsuhiro Harada. The company confirmed that it has invested in the newly formed studio, VS Studio SNK, and plans to bring it into the SNK group as a consolidated subsidiary.
VS Studio SNK was officially established on May 1, 2026, with headquarters located in Tokyo. According to SNK, the studio will collaborate closely with the publisher on future game software development projects as part of efforts to strengthen its overall development capabilities.
Harada, who serves as the studio’s Representative Director and CEO, described the company’s philosophy as “Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection.” In a statement accompanying the announcement, he explained that the studio aims to combine technology, creativity, and development expertise to produce memorable gaming experiences while fostering an open environment for creators.
The name “VS” carries multiple meanings tied to the studio’s vision, including references to video game development, challenging conventions, and innovation. Harada stated that the formation of the studio reflects his long held thoughts about creating a workplace where developers can perform at their best while collaborating with passionate teams.
SNK producer Yasuyuki Oda also commented on the partnership, describing Harada as both a longtime friend and rival. Oda noted that discussions about potentially working together had taken place for years, adding that the collaboration could lead to exciting future projects, even though no specific titles have yet been announced.
Harada is best known for his decades of work at Namco, where he spent 31 years producing and developing arcade, console, and VR games. Beyond development, he played a significant role in global fighting game communities, tournament support, and the growth of competitive gaming culture since the 1990s.
VS Studio’s operations will focus on planning, developing, and managing video game software. While the announcement did not reveal any projects currently in development, the partnership signals a notable expansion of SNK’s internal development structure through the addition of one of the fighting game industry’s most recognizable creators.
