Tekken boss Katsuhiro Harada has joined SNK

May 13, 2026 - 01:41

Harada confirmed the move, stating that the new studio will focus on game development while collaborating closely with SNK. While specific projects remain unannounced, the partnership signals a major shift for the fighting game community. Harada is widely credited with steering the Tekken series for over three decades, most recently with the successful launch of Tekken 8. His departure from Bandai Namco earlier this year surprised many in the industry.

SNK, which has been revitalizing its classic franchises under new ownership, now gains one of the most recognizable producers in the genre. The collaboration could lead to crossovers or entirely new IPs. Harada noted that the Tokyo studio will allow his team to work more flexibly while leveraging SNK's expertise in 2D and 3D fighting games. No release dates or titles have been announced, but fans are already speculating about potential collaborations between the Tekken and King of Fighters universes.