In one of the more surprising twists in modern gaming, Katsuhiro Harada, who left Bandai Namco last year, has formed VS Studio with investment from SNK. Best known for the Tekken series, where he served as a producer and dictated the direction for decades, Harada said in a new video that the name “VS” has several meanings.
“It traces back to our roots in a video game software development team, and represents ideas such as Visionary Standard, Volition Shift, and Vanguard Spirit. The philosophy embedded in the name VS defines who we are as a studio. Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection. That is what we strive for.”
While VS Studio receives “long-term, continuous support” from SNK, Harada says it’s independent and allows them to stay “focused on creativity.” He also believes that it’s “one answer” to the question about how he wants to spend whatever time he has left as a game developer.
SNK’s Yasuyuki Oda, who worked as a producer on Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, stated in a press release, “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. We look forward to your continued support for SNK and VS Studio.”
For now, VS Studio is searching for new team members “who share our vision,” and hasn’t announced what it will be working on. Based on the name and Harada’s experience, you would have to assume it’s a fighting game. Besides, the potential for tie-ins and collaborations with SNK’s own stable of fighting games, from Fatal Fury to Samurai Shodown and The King of Fighters, is too good to pass up.
Regardless, with Tekken 8 falling out of favor with genre fans since launch due to balancing changes, excessive monetization, and more, it would seem that Bandai Namco’s loss is SNK’s gain. Time will tell, though, so stay tuned for more updates.