Just today SNK released a press release regarding news about a new addition to the company. Former Tekken Director Harada will be running VS Studio under SNK. The “VS” stands for five different things because apparently one wasn’t enough. Oda calls him a “long-time friend and worthy rival” and says “nothing has been decided yet,” which is fighting game dev speak for “we’re definitely cooking something.”
From Katsuhiro Harada:
“We are pleased to announce the launch of our new game development studio, ‘VS Studio.’ VS Studio’s philosophy is ‘Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection.’ We will combine technology, sensibility, and world-class expertise to pursue the ultimate. From a free, open, and spacious environment, we will generate new ideas and create memorable games. We established this studio to bring this vision to life. The ‘VS’ in VS Studio holds various meanings. It represents our roots in ‘Video game Soft (VS Development Division),’ the spirit of ‘Versus’ challenging tradition, and many other meanings symbolizing innovation and challenge, such as ‘Visionary Standard,’ ‘Volition Shift,’ and ‘Vanguard Spirit.'”
A Special Message from Harada
From Yasuyuki Oda, SNK:
“I am extremely proud to welcome Mr. Katsuhiro Harada, who has been a long-time friend and a worthy rival to us, into our group. We’ve long discussed the hypothetical scenario of working together, and now that dream has become a reality. To be honest, nothing has been decided yet, but I have no doubt that things will become even more exciting than ever before.”
Him working under SNK? Legendary alignment. Two decades of rivalry, now sharing a roof. And he didn’t burn that bridge with Namco either. If any collaboration happens, he’s the key to making it work. Guy was one of the reasons we got those Fighting Game Roundtables a few years ago. He builds connections, not walls.
Glad he hasn’t retired. Harada’s still a force in the industry. Still has much to contribute to the FGC and gaming as a whole. The FGC just got more interesting.
About Author
