Katsuhiro Harada, legendary director behind Tekken, has established his own studio under SNK six months after departing Bandai Namco. Harada now leads his own team within the Japanese fighting game publisher.
Harada spent nearly three decades at Bandai Namco, where he directed and produced the Tekken franchise since its 1994 debut. The series became one of gaming's most enduring fighting game properties under his leadership.
His move to SNK marks a significant shift in the fighting game landscape. SNK, known for franchises like The King of Fighters and Fatal Fury, has been expanding its portfolio in recent years.
Details about Harada's projects at the new studio remain limited. However, his track record suggests the studio will focus on fighting game development or related titles.
The transition comes as the fighting game genre experiences renewed interest, driven by titles like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8's success. Harada's departure from Bandai Namco's Tekken division raises questions about the franchise's future direction under new leadership.
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