In a nutshell
- Kohei Ikeda (Nakatsu) announces he has joined VS STUDIO
- Reunites with two former bosses, including Katsuhiro Harada
- Promises a completely new project, blending nostalgia with fresh excitement
After leaving Bandai Namco back in June after 20 years of service, former Tekken 8 Game Director Kohei Ikeda has now revealed that he has reunited with Katsuhiro Harada at VS Studio.
A New Chapter for Nakatsu
Kohei Ikeda, better known as Nakatsu, revealed via X that he has officially joined VS STUDIO. In his post, Ikeda shared that working again with two of his former bosses feels both nostalgic and inspiring, while the thrill of creating something entirely new makes the experience deeply fulfilling.
Nostalgia Meets Innovation
Ikeda emphasized the balance between revisiting familiar creative partnerships and venturing into uncharted territory. His words suggest that VS STUDIO’s upcoming project will not only draw from past experiences but also push boundaries with fresh ideas.
There is immediate speculation about the possibility of a new fighting game, especially given Ikeda’s ties to Katsuhiro Harada, a legendary figure in the genre, and their shared work on Tekken 8 over the past years.
VS Studio SNK Co., Ltd. is a newly established subsidiary founded by legendary game producer Katsuhiro Harada. Formed on May 1, 2026, the studio is headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, and will work closely with SNK to develop new game software and expand the company’s creative output.
