"I realised I might only have time to make one more game, so I wanted to try something new" – Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada on starting VS Studio
Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada explains his move to VS Studio, a new studio backed by SNK, driven by a desire to innovate and work with experienced developers outside traditional publisher constraints.
Katsuhiro Harada, the longtime figure behind Tekken, left Bandai Namco after over 30 years to launch VS Studio, a new studio funded by SNK. He cited a desire to explore new creative directions before reaching Japan’s typical retirement age of 60, noting that modern game development cycles would allow him time for only one more major project under his former employer. Harada emphasized that his decision was not driven by dissatisfaction but by a personal reflection on how to spend the final decade of his career meaningfully.
Harada described the industry’s current volatility as a challenging environment to start a new studio, yet he received rapid support from former colleagues and industry peers after announcing his departure. SNK’s offer stood out due to the company’s deep ties to fighting games and its alignment with Harada’s vision, particularly the passion for gaming demonstrated by Saudi leadership. He highlighted the absence of financial negotiations during discussions, focusing instead on shared enthusiasm for game development, which reminded him of Namco’s founder, Masaya Nakamura.
VS Studio operates with full autonomy under SNK’s backing, attracting veteran developers including Tekken 8 director Kohei Ikeda. Harada praised the studio’s organic recruitment process, which drew experienced developers—many over 45—who he believes bring valuable expertise to game development, contrasting with the perceived advantages of youth in other fields. He noted that the small team’s collaborative dynamics allow for inclusive decision-making across all roles, fostering fresh ideas and proactive engagement among staff.
Despite the creative freedom, Harada acknowledged the challenges of competing with major publishers in marketing and distribution, areas where large companies hold significant advantages. He contrasted the stability of employment in Japan with the instability in Western game industries, where layoffs are more common, and expressed hope for greater stability globally. Harada also reflected on the widening gap between AAA and indie sectors, noting the broader impact of Western industry struggles on Japanese development partners.