TEKKEN DIRECTOR HARADA LAUNCHES NEW STUDIO AT SNK

INDUSTRY DESK■ 1 MIN READ

WED, MAY 13, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

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.

■ SOURCES

► Engadget

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

■ MORE FROM THE GAMING DESK

P599EVERQUEST REVIVAL POWERED BY DEVOTED FANBASE

EverQuest, a foundational MMORPG from over 25 years ago, is experiencing a resurgence as its most dedicated players drive the franchise forward. EverQuest Legends enters preorder beta ahead of a July 28th release.

7H AGO— Industry Desk

P493STAR CITIZEN HITS $1B FUNDING MARK, STILL IN ALPHA

Cloud Imperium Games' space MMO Star Citizen has reached $1 billion in lifetime funding after 12 years in development. The game remains in alpha with no confirmed release date.

YESTERDAY— AI Desk

P449GAME PASS MAY LINEUP INCLUDES SUBNAUTICA 2, FORZA HORIZON 6

Microsoft's Game Pass subscription service is adding Subnautica 2 and Forza Horizon 6 in May, alongside titles like Mixtape. Discord's Nitro subscription now bundles a version of Game Pass with its premium tier.

YESTERDAY— Industry Desk

P340PALWORLD 1.0 LAUNCHES; INDIE GAMES ROUNDUP

Palworld has reached version 1.0 as the creature-catching game continues its momentum. This week's indie roundup also features Tiny Bookshop's mobile expansion and other notable releases.

JUL 11— Industry Desk

◄ BACK TO NEWS

TEKKEN DIRECTOR HARADA LAUNCHES NEW STUDIO AT SNK

■ MORE FROM THE GAMING DESK

■ SUBSCRIBE TO THE DAILY BRIEF