SNK Announces Establishment of New Studio, Katsuhiro Harada Appointed Representative

SNK Corporation announced its decision to invest in a newly established game development studio by Katsuhiro Harada and welcome it into the SNK Group as a consolidated subsidiary, effective May 1, 2026.

Overview

On May 1, a new game development studio, VS Studio SNK Co., Ltd. (Shin-Meguro Tokyu Building 4F, 2-25-2 Kami-Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director CEO: Katsuhiro Harada), was established. Upon its establishment, SNK Corporation will support the launch of the new studio and plans to make it a consolidated subsidiary. The new studio and SNK will collaborate in game software development to further strengthen development.

Comment from Katsuhiro Harada

"We are launching a new game development studio, 'VS Studio SNK.' VS Studio, as it is commonly known, operates under the philosophy of 'Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection.'

We will gather the world's highest level of technology, sensibility, and knowledge to pursue the ultimate.

We aim to create memorable gameplay by fostering new ideas from a free, open, and spacious environment.

This studio was established to give form to that vision. The 'VS' in VS Studio holds various meanings. It represents 'Video game Soft' (our roots in the VS development department), the spirit of 'Versus' challenging tradition, and also 'Visionary Standard,' 'Volition Shift,' and 'Vanguard Spirit,' embodying many meanings that symbolize innovation and challenge.

Throughout my many years in game development, I have constantly considered how to live my future as a developer and 'what constitutes an environment where developers can perform at their best.' VS Studio is one answer to that question.

By bringing together technology and knowledge, and with passionate colleagues, we aim to deliver the best gaming experience to users worldwide. VS Studio wants to be a studio that continues such challenges, and we are also recruiting new colleagues who share our aspirations.

Please look forward to the future of VS Studio."

Video Message

https://youtu.be/wnirxFNs20w

Comment from Yasuyuki Oda, SNK

"We are extremely happy and proud to welcome Katsuhiro Harada, a long-time friend and good rival, into the SNK Group. We used to talk hypothetically about working together, and now it has come true.

Honestly, nothing specific has been decided yet, but it will undoubtedly be more interesting than ever before. We look forward to your continued support for SNK and VS Studio SNK."

Katsuhiro Harada's Career

After graduating from Waseda University, he joined Namco (then). For 31 years, he was involved in numerous game development and production projects for arcade, home console, and VR platforms.

Beyond his role as a game developer, he also focused on global marketing and community activities, supporting fighting game tournaments and fan events worldwide for many years since the 90s.

He contributed to the formation and development of the current e-sports culture.

New Studio Overview

Studio Name: VS Studio SNK (Trademark pending)

Head Office Location: Shin-Meguro Tokyu Building 4F, 2-25-2 Kami-Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Katsuhiro Harada (Representative Director CEO)

Business Activities: Planning, development, and operation of game software

Official Website: http://vs-studio.com

Official SNS (X): @VS_Studio_Inc

New Company Logo

Overview of Investor

Company Name: SNK Corporation

Head Office Location: Shin-Osaka 2nd NK Building 3F, 4-5-41 Miyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka

Business Activities: Video game business, licensing business, e-sports business

Subsidiaries:

USA: SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION

Hong Kong: SNK ASIA CO., LIMITED

China: Le Wan Xin Da Di (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd., and 5 other companies

Korea: SNK INTERACTIVE CO., LTD.

Singapore: SNK GAMES SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.

Japan: SNK Entertainment Co., Ltd.