Kohei Ikeda, the former Tekken director who parted ways with Bandai Namco last June, has joined Harada’s new studio.

On August 18, Kohei Ikeda announced via social media that he has joined VS Studio and has begun working on a new title. This move is noteworthy as it reunites the developer with former colleagues from the Tekken 8 team. VS Studio is a developer under SNK, established by Katsuhiro Harada after he left Bandai Namco in late 2025.

Reflecting on the change, Kohei Ikeda shared on social media, "Working daily with two former bosses brings back a wave of nostalgia, but there is also a genuine sense of excitement in crafting something new. I am truly looking forward to seeing what we can create together."

VS Studio is a developer dedicated to the 'Versus' spirit, aiming to showcase innovation and fresh challenges. The studio gained significant attention by announcing a strategic partnership with SNK. While the specific game being developed has not been confirmed, the arrival of Kohei Ikeda has heightened expectations for a potential new fighting game.