Virtua Fighter Returns: A Glimpse into the Future
Sega has unveiled new in-engine footage of the upcoming Virtua Fighter game, marking the franchise's return after nearly two decades of dormancy. Developed by Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, known for the Yakuza series, this new installment promises a fresh take on the classic fighting game.
The recently released footage, first shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, isn't actual gameplay, but rather a meticulously choreographed cinematic showcasing the game's visuals. While undeniably staged, the clip offers a strong indication of the game's potential aesthetic. The visuals appear to strike a balance between the realism of Tekken 8 and the stylistic flair of Street Fighter 6, a departure from the franchise's earlier, more polygonal style. The iconic character Akira is featured, sporting new attire that deviates from his traditional look.
Following the release of Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown (a remaster released in 2021 for PlayStation 4 and Japanese arcades, and coming to Steam in January 2025), this new entry represents a significant step for the franchise. The game's development is being overseen by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the same team behind the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster and the highly acclaimed Yakuza series. They are also concurrently developing Sega's ambitious Project Century.
While details remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada's previous statements hint at a bold new direction for the series. Nevertheless, Sega's commitment to reviving the Virtua Fighter brand is evident, as demonstrated by the recent VF Direct 2024 livestream where Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared, "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" This resurgence, alongside recent releases from other major fighting game franchises, positions the 2020s as a potentially golden age for the fighting game genre.
