Kohei Ikeda, the director of Tekken 8, has left Bandai Namco to join Katsuhiro Harada’s newly formed VS Studio, where he will serve as a game designer. The move marks the latest high profile addition to the independent studio, which was established in January 2025.
VS Studio was founded by Katsuhiro Harada, the long time producer of the Tekken fighting game series. The studio operates independently while maintaining a partnership with its former parent company, Bandai Namco. Ikeda’s transition to the new team signals a consolidation of key talent from the fighting game franchise.
Background on Ikeda’s Career
Ikeda is a veteran of the Japanese games industry with over a decade of experience at Bandai Namco. He served as the director of Tekken 8, which was released in January 2024 to critical acclaim and strong commercial performance. Prior to that role, he worked on other titles within the company’s portfolio, including the action game Scarlet Nexus, where he acted as a lead game designer.
The director also worked on the arcade versions of Tekken 7, contributing to the franchise’s competitive balance and game systems. His technical expertise in fighting game mechanics is considered an asset for the new studio’s ambitions.
Studio Direction and Strategy
VS Studio is currently led by Harada alongside Michael Murray, the veteran producer known for his work on the Tekken series. The studio’s stated mission is to develop new intellectual properties while also continuing to support existing franchises. The company has maintained a close relationship with Bandai Namco, which will allow it to continue working on established titles without severing ties entirely.
The studio has yet to announce its first original project. However, the recruitment of staff with deep experience in competitive gaming genres suggests that the team is focusing on high quality interactive entertainment rather than experimental projects.
Industry Reactions and Context
The move is not unprecedented. Several senior developers from the fighting game community have departed major publishers in recent years to form independent studios, following a broader trend of creative talent seeking autonomy. By retaining a partnership with Bandai Namco, VS Studio avoids some of the logistical challenges faced by fully independent teams, such as securing separate publishing deals or handling distribution logistics.
Ikeda’s role as game designer is expected to focus on core systems, character design, and gameplay balance, areas where he previously demonstrated proficiency. His collaboration with Harada and Murray is anticipated to replicate the working dynamics of the Tekken series, which may reassure fans of the franchise about its future direction.
Next Steps
All parties involved have yet to confirm a release schedule for upcoming projects. VS Studio is currently expanding its workforce, and industry observers expect official project announcements within the next fiscal year. In the meantime, Bandai Namco retains ownership of the Tekken franchise, and support for ongoing content updates for Tekken 8 will continue under the company’s existing arrangements.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
