Summary
- Sega unveiled new in-engine footage of the upcoming Virtua Fighter game.
- This marks the franchise's first new entry in nearly 20 years.
- Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is leading development.
Sega recently released new footage showcasing the visual style of its next Virtua Fighter installment. The franchise has been largely dormant for almost two decades, with only remasters of Virtua Fighter 5 released since its last entirely new title. Beyond Virtua Fighter 2's surprise physical release, the most recent major entry was Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, a PlayStation 4 and Japanese arcade remaster released in 2021. This remaster is also slated for a Steam release in January 2025, preceding the new game.
First shown at NVIDIA's 2025 Consumer Electronics Show keynote, the short video features a simulated fight scene. While clearly staged—the choreography is impeccably smooth and timed—it provides a glimpse into the game's potential. This return of Virtua Fighter, alongside recent releases from other major fighting game franchises, positions the 2020s as a significant era for the genre.
New Virtua Fighter Footage Highlights Evolving Visuals
Though not actual gameplay, the in-engine footage offers a realistic preview of the final product. The visuals show a departure from the series' hyper-stylized, polygonal origins, moving towards a more realistic style that blends elements of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The trailer features Akira, the franchise's iconic character, in two new outfits, a departure from his classic bandanna and spiky hair.
Development is being handled by Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, also responsible for the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster (alongside Sega AM2) and the Yakuza series (beginning with Yakuza 5). They are also leading development on Sega's announced Project Century.
Details about the new Virtua Fighter title remain scarce, beyond its status as a completely new entry. However, Sega's commitment to revitalizing the franchise is evident through these ongoing reveals. As Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared in the VF Direct 2024 livestream: "Virtua Fighter is finally back!"
