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Katsuhiro Harada Forms New SNK VS Studio
Katsuhiro Harada, formerly of Bandai Namco, has established a new development studio with SNK called SNK VS Studio. Harada will serve as CEO of the Tokyo-based studio, which aims to combine technology and creativity to develop new games. While no specific projects have been announced, the move unites the creator of Tekken with the company behind The King of Fighters and other fighting game franchises.
Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada is back, but this time at his own studio backed by old fighting game rival SNK
Katsuhiro Harada, former director of Tekken, has founded a new studio named VS Studio, which will be financially backed and consolidated as a subsidiary by SNK. Harada expressed his vision for the studio to pursue the ultimate in gaming experiences by combining technology, sensibility, and expertise. SNK director Yasuyuki Oda welcomed Harada, a long-time rival, and expressed excitement for their future collaboration.
What a Twist! Ex-Tekken Boss Harada Opens New Studio Under Fatal Fury's SNK
Katsuhiro Harada, formerly of Bandai Namco's Tekken team, has launched a new development studio named VS Studio, backed by SNK, the company known for the Fatal Fury and The King of Fighters series. While the studio's first project remains unannounced, its name and Harada's involvement suggest a focus on fighting games. SNK is investing in VS Studio with plans to make it a subsidiary.
Fatal Fury publisher SNK announces VS Studio, a new development team founded by Tekken creator Katsuhiro Harada — 'VS Studio's philosophy is beyond tradition, crafted to perfection'
Tekken creator Katsuhiro Harada has founded a new development studio named VS Studio, with support from Fatal Fury publisher SNK. The studio aims to create new, unannounced projects with a philosophy of 'Beyond tradition, crafted to perfection,' combining technology and expertise to deliver ultimate gaming experiences.
SNK announces new studio lead by Tekken veteran Katsuhiro Harada
SNK has announced an investment in a new studio, VS Studio, founded by veteran Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada. VS Studio will become a subsidiary of SNK and collaborate on game development. Harada, who previously spent his career at Bandai Namco, aims to combine technology and expertise to deliver top-tier gaming experiences.
Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada joins SNK to found new video game studio
Katsuhiro Harada, the former director of the Tekken series, has joined SNK to establish a new studio called VS Studio. This new venture aims to develop new fighting games, leveraging SNK's existing franchises like Fatal Fury and The King of Fighters. Harada's departure from Bandai Namco after 31 years marks a significant shift in his career.
Tales of Series Collaborates With RAKU CAFE Beginning May 28
Bandai Namco Entertainment announced a collaboration between the Tales of series and RAKU CAFE in Japan, running from May 28 to June 16, 2026. The event will feature new artwork of several series protagonists, exclusive merchandise, a themed menu, and cafe decorations. Online sales for merchandise begin May 28, 2026.
How To Save All Characters In Directive 8020 - Everyone Survives Walkthrough
This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for Directive 8020, focusing on how to save all playable and non-playable characters. It outlines key choices and quick-time events across all eight episodes to ensure character survival, noting that some deaths are unavoidable story elements. The guide also explains the Turning Point feature and differences between Explorer and Survivor modes.
Just Add Water Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointment of Industry Veteran Gareth Betts as Senior Producer
Just Add Water Development has appointed Gareth Betts as Senior Producer, bringing over three decades of industry experience to the UK-based studio. Betts previously held roles at Bandai Namco Entertainment and Sony, working on titles like The Dark Pictures Anthology and Wipeout HD. His appointment is part of the studio's strategy to enhance production capabilities as it moves towards 'AA' development.
Former Tekken Producer Katsuhiro Harada Forms VS Studio With SNK
Former Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada has established a new independent studio named VS Studio, with investment and long-term support from SNK. Harada, who previously worked at Bandai Namco, aims for VS Studio to focus on creativity, with the name "VS" representing multiple philosophies. While no specific projects have been announced, the studio is actively recruiting and is heavily implied to be developing fighting games, potentially collaborating with SNK's existing franchises.
Persona 5 Royal Keychains Finally Get to US and Canada Gashapon Machines
Bandai Namco Entertainment will release Persona 5 Royal rubber mascot keychains in Gashapon machines across the US and Canada in May 2026. The keychains feature characters with their Personas and are identical to the Japanese release. The original Persona 5 launched on PS3 and PS4, with the Royal version available on PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Sword Art Online: Echoes of Aincrad Reveals New Teaser for Ultimate Edition Special Anime; Looks Like
A new teaser trailer has been released for Unanswered//butterfly, a special anime included with the Ultimate Edition of Sword Art Online: Echoes of Aincrad. The anime follows players trapped in the VR MMORPG Sword Art Online during its early days. Sword Art Online: Echoes of Aincrad launches on July 10 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC.
JRPGs struggle to break 3 million sales, Xenoblade lead once said, and after his hesitance to focus on cutting-edge tech, Xenoblade Chronicles X's wonky Switch 2 edition may have proven him right
Tetsuya Takahashi, director of Xenoblade Chronicles, and Katsuhiro Harada, former Tekken producer, previously discussed the sales limitations of JRPGs, with Takahashi noting a barrier around 2-3 million units. Harada suggested focusing on cutting-edge technology as a solution, a point Takahashi was hesitant about due to budget concerns. Recent releases like Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Xenoblade Chronicles X's Switch 2 enhancements have not significantly broken this sales barrier, with the latter even receiving criticism for its visual performance.
Tales Channel+ Collection Card Archive Now Available for Free Following Feature Shutdown
Bandai Namco has made the Tales Channel+ collection card archive freely available online following the shutdown of the browser-based matching game feature. The archive contains collectible cards from nearly the entire Tales of franchise, including several mobile titles. The images are for personal use only and cannot be redistributed commercially.
Directive 8020 review: "Twisty terrors make for sublime corpo-space drama, but I've seen this movie before"
Directive 8020, the latest installment in The Dark Pictures Anthology from Supermassive Games, offers a tense survival horror experience set on a spaceship. While it introduces new mechanics like stealth and player agency, the game is hampered by pacing issues, inconsistent voice acting, and derivative elements from other horror titles. Despite its flaws, the narrative remains engaging, making it a solid, albeit not groundbreaking, 10-hour adventure.
UK software sales chart for the week ending May 9, 2026 – Tomodachi Life, Pokemon Pokopia in the top three
The UK software sales chart for the week ending May 9, 2026, shows Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and Pokemon Pokopia holding strong in the top three. EA SPORTS FC 26 remains at the number one spot, with Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition and Mario Kart World rounding out the top five.
Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter are duking it out in cinemas – Tekken should be next
This article argues that Tekken, with its complex narrative and diverse cast, is a prime candidate for a movie adaptation, similar to recent successful films based on Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter. It highlights the series' dramatic storylines and unique characters as ideal material for the big screen, suggesting a potential crossover film with Street Fighter.
Sony Partners With Bandai Namco to Utilize AI Technology
Sony has partnered with Bandai Namco and Gaudiy to explore the use of generative AI in game development, aiming to automate repetitive workflows and enhance creator capabilities. Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki and Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Nishino Hideaki emphasized that AI will support, not replace, human creators, enabling new possibilities and expanding Japanese intellectual property globally.
Nintendo Highlights Multiple Major Third-Party Releases For Switch 2 In 2026
Nintendo has highlighted a significant lineup of third-party games scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026 and beyond. The list includes titles from major publishers like Square Enix, Bandai Namco, and Capcom, with potential releases for Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition and Borderlands 4 also mentioned. Nintendo stated that the third-party support for the Switch 2 is the largest ever following a platform launch.
Free-to-Play Mobile Card Game 'Digimon Alysion' Launching 2026
Bandai Namco announced that the free-to-play mobile card game Digimon Alysion will launch in 2026. The game adapts the physical Digimon Card Game for digital play, featuring original cards, new Digimon, and characters, and will share a universe with the Digimon Liberator web manga.