SN K to collaborate with a new subsidiary on game development
SN K announced the creation of VS Studio SNK, a new game studio headed by former Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada. The company has invested in the studio as a consolidated subsidiary, and the two will work together on future game software.
Harada explained that “VS” in the studio’s name stands for more than “Versus” or “Visual Studio.” It also represents Visionary Standard, Volition Shift, and Vanguard Spirit.
Harada’s background
Katsuhiro Harada is best known as the longtime producer and director of the Tekken fighting‑game series. He began his career at Namco (before its 2006 merger with Bandai) as a sales promoter, quickly breaking sales records. After receiving a presidential commendation, he moved into game development, eventually directing Tekken 3. Harada has also contributed to the Soulcalibur franchise, Summer Lesson, and Pokkén Tournament, and he often provides voice work for characters such as Marshall Law and Yoshimitsu.
Harada left Bandai Namco at the end of 2025, where he had served as general manager and led the company’s fighting‑game esports division.
SN K’s recent corporate moves
- In May 2025, SN K announced that CEO Kenji Matsubara would step down and move to an advisory role, with the board chair taking over as interim CEO.
- SN K became a wholly‑owned subsidiary of the Saudi‑based MiSK Foundation in 2022, after the foundation increased its stake to 100 %.
- The company launched the KOF Studio in December 2024 to continue the legacy of the King of Fighters franchise.
Sources: SN K’s official YouTube channel, press release.
