Tekken veteran Katsuhiro Harada says SNK's VS Studio can revive Japan's golden game era

GG Brief Editorial Desk · AI-assisted, source attributed

Katsuhiro Harada, the longtime face of Tekken, said SNK's Tokyo-based VS Studio can help revive Japan's "golden game era," Insider Gaming reported. Insider Gaming reported Harada told VGC he plans to lead VS Studio with game-focused leadership and new IP to pursue that revival. The outlet said Harada contrasted SNK's internal culture—where staff love and play their games—with other Japanese studios whose management, he said, rarely plays their own titles. Insider Gaming also reported Harada left Bandai Namco at the end of last year and is now heading VS Studio in Tokyo.

• What happened: Insider Gaming reported that Katsuhiro Harada said SNK's Tokyo-based VS Studio can help revive Japan's "golden game era," and that he now leads the studio.
• Why it matters: Harada reportedly argues that game-focused leadership and the creation of new IP at VS Studio could contribute to a wider revival of Japanese game development.
• Context: Insider Gaming said Harada, known as the face of Tekken, joined Bandai Namco in 1994, left at the end of last year, and discussed industry culture in an interview with VGC—highlighting that SNK staff love their games while some other studio leaders do not play their own titles.
• What next: Insider Gaming did not report any confirmed release dates, specific projects, or timelines from Harada or SNK; the nature and timing of any new games or studio initiatives remain unconfirmed.