Virtua Fighter Returns: New In-Engine Footage Unveiled
Sega has debuted fresh in-engine footage for the upcoming Virtua Fighter installment, marking the franchise's return after nearly two decades of relative inactivity. Development is being spearheaded by Sega's own Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, known for its work on the Yakuza series and the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster.
The last significant Virtua Fighter release was Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, a 2021 remaster (also coming to Steam in January 2025). Since then, only a commemorative physical release of Virtua Fighter 2 has been seen. The new footage, first shown at NVIDIA's CES 2025 keynote, isn't actual gameplay, but rather a meticulously choreographed cinematic showcasing the game's in-engine visuals. This highly stylized presentation hints at the polished final product to come. The timing of this release, alongside recent entries in other major fighting game franchises, suggests a strong resurgence for the fighting game genre in the 2020s.
Evolving Visuals: A Blend of Realism and Style
The video showcases a departure from the series' traditionally hyper-stylized, polygonal characters. The new Virtua Fighter aesthetic leans towards a more realistic visual style, blending elements reminiscent of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The footage prominently features Akira, the franchise's iconic character, sporting two new outfits, a significant departure from his classic look.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, also responsible for Sega's announced Project Century, is leading the development. Their prior experience with the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster, alongside Sega AM2, and their success with the Yakuza franchise, positions them well to revitalize this classic fighting game.
While details remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada's previous comments suggest a bold new direction for the series. Despite the current lack of concrete information, Sega's commitment to the Virtua Fighter brand 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!"
