Virtua Fighter's Return: A Glimpse at Sega's Upcoming Fighting Game
Sega has unveiled new in-engine footage of the next Virtua Fighter game, marking the franchise's highly anticipated return after nearly two decades. Developed by Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, this new installment promises a fresh take on the classic fighting series.
The recently released footage, while not actual gameplay, offers a compelling preview of the game's visual style. Shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, the video showcases meticulously choreographed combat, hinting at a polished and refined fighting experience. The visuals represent a departure from the franchise's earlier polygonal aesthetic, aiming for a more realistic look that blends elements of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The iconic character Akira is featured, sporting new attire, a departure from his traditional look.
The game's development under Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio—the team behind the Yakuza series and the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster—suggests a potential shift in gameplay mechanics and overall feel. While specifics remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada's previous statements indicate a significant departure from past iterations. Sega's commitment to revitalizing the Virtua Fighter brand is evident, with the company offering periodic updates and glimpses of progress. As Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared in the VF Direct 2024 livestream, "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" The game's release is expected to solidify the 2020s as a significant era for fighting games, following recent releases from other major franchises. The upcoming Steam release of Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown in January 2025 further builds anticipation for the new title.
