Sega Unveils New Virtua Fighter In-Engine Footage

Virtua Fighter Returns: A Glimpse at Sega's New Fighting Game

Sega has unveiled new in-engine footage of the upcoming Virtua Fighter game, marking the franchise's return after a nearly two-decade hiatus. Developed by Sega's own Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, this new installment promises a fresh take on the classic fighting series.

The last significant Virtua Fighter release was Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, a 2021 remaster (also coming to Steam in January 2025). Beyond that, the franchise has seen limited activity, aside from a commemorative release of Virtua Fighter 2.

First shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, the new footage, while not actual gameplay, offers a taste of the game's in-engine visuals. The impeccably choreographed combat sequence hints at the polished experience to come, showcasing a style reminiscent of classic martial arts films. This launch, alongside other recent fighting game releases, suggests a golden age for the genre.

A New Visual Style for Virtua Fighter

The video showcases a departure from the series' earlier, hyper-stylized polygonal aesthetic. The new Virtua Fighter appears to strike a balance between the visual realism of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The iconic character Akira is featured in two new outfits, a notable change from his traditional look.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio at the Helm

Development is led by Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, known for the Yakuza series and also involved in the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster. They are also behind Sega's announced Project Century. This experienced team, along with project director Riichirou Yamada's previous comments, suggests a strong commitment to the franchise's revival.

Sega's enthusiasm is palpable. As Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared in the VF Direct 2024 livestream, "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" While details remain scarce, Sega's continued releases of preview material indicate a dedicated effort to revitalize this beloved fighting game franchise.