Tekken 8 Director Joins Harada's New Vs Studio

Kohei Ikeda, the game director for Tekken 8, has transitioned to the newly established Vs Studio, a rival developer backed by SNK, to work alongside Katsuhiro Harada.

Ikeda shared the news of his departure from Bandai Namco's Tekken 8 team on Twitter, confirming his move to join his former superior at the new studio. While the debut project for Vs Studio remains undisclosed, it is anticipated that Ikeda and Harada will collaborate on its development.

They will be joined by Yuichi Yonemori, another seasoned member of the Tekken franchise, who also departed Bandai Namco earlier this year. This reunion brings together three prominent senior figures from the Tekken development history under a new banner.

"I've joined Vs Studio as the next step in my journey," Ikeda stated on X. "Working on games again with two of my former bosses feels nostalgic in many ways, while at the same time, the excitement of creating something completely new makes every day incredibly fulfilling. I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can create together!"

This development marks the latest in a series of significant departures from the Tekken 8 team. As previously noted, Yuichi Yonemori left Bandai Namco in May, and director Katsuhiro Harada departed in December. Harada had been hinting at his departure for several months, expressing confidence in the series' future in his absence.

Vs Studios, which was announced in May, is a new entity receiving financial backing from SNK, a company renowned for its work on franchises like The King of Fighters and Metal Slug. According to Harada, the studio's aim is to "combine technology, sensibility, and world-class expertise."

The specific nature of the project these three former Tekken developers will lead remains a subject of speculation. While many anticipate it will be a one-on-one fighting game, this has not yet been officially confirmed. Further details may be revealed in the near future.

English Translation:

Kohei Ikeda, the game director of Tekken 8, has moved to the newly formed Vs Studio, a rival developer backed by SNK, to join Katsuhiro Harada.

Ikeda announced the move on Twitter, revealing he had also left Bandai Namco's Tekken 8 team to join his former boss at the new studio. While the first game developed by Vs Studio is still a mystery, the pair will presumably work on it together.

They will be joined by Yuichi Yonemori, another Tekken veteran, who also left Bandai Namco earlier this year. These three super-senior Tekken developers – Ikeda, Harada, and Yonemori – have reunited under a new roof.

"I've joined Vs Studio as the next step in my journey," wrote Ikeda on X. "Working on games again with two of my former bosses feels nostalgic in many ways, while at the same time, the excitement of creating something completely new makes every day incredibly fulfilling. I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can create together!"

This is the latest in a string of high-profile departures from the Tekken 8 team. As mentioned, Yuichi Yonemori left Bandai Namco in May, while Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada left in December. He had been hinting at a departure for many months, saying he wouldn't be worried about the series in his absence.

Vs Studios, announced in May, is a new studio financially supported by SNK, known for the King of Fighters and Metal Slug series, with a goal to "combine technology, sensibility, and world-class expertise" according to Harada.

What these three Tekken developers will lead development of is anyone's guess. Many naturally assume it'll be some sort of one-on-one fighting game, but that's not been confirmed as of yet. Maybe we'll find out soon?