Game creator Kohei Ikeda, formerly of Bandai Namco Studios and recent game director for Tekken 8, announced on his X account that he has joined the SNK subsidiary game studio, VS Studio SNK, and shared his aspirations for the future.
Kohei Ikeda Joins SNK Subsidiary, "VS Studio SNK"! Served as Game Director for Tekken 7 and Tekken 8
【A Quick Update】
I’ve joined VS STUDIO as the next step in my journey.
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… pic.twitter.com/f2lwFi0dkL
— Kohei Ikeda（Nakatsu） (@nkt_dreamer) August 18, 2026
Game creator Kohei Ikeda announced on his X account that he has joined the SNK subsidiary game studio, VS Studio SNK.
Ikeda, also known as Nakatsu, previously worked at Bandai Namco Studios and served as the game director for Tekken 7 and Tekken 8. However, he announced his resignation from Bandai Namco Studios in June 2026. Following much speculation about his next move, this announcement reveals his new destination.
The X post also features a photo of Ikeda alongside Katsuhiro Harada (@Harada_TEKKEN) and Yuichi Yonemori, both of whom previously worked at Bandai Namco Studios on the Tekken series.
Seeing him reunite with Harada, the creator of Tekken, is especially moving—a familiar sight fans grew accustomed to across interviews and other settings.
What kind of games will the veterans who shaped Tekken build in this new environment? How will they impact the gaming industry and esports as a whole? Stay tuned for future updates.
Kohei Ikeda's Comments
I have joined VS STUDIO to take on a new challenge.
Developing games every day alongside my two former bosses feels nostalgic, yet it is brimming with the excitement of creating something new. It is incredibly fulfilling!
I am looking forward to seeing what we can create here moving forward!
(Translated from Japanese)
Kohei Ikeda Official X