Summary

• Sega has released new in-engine footage of the upcoming Virtua Fighter game.
• This will be the franchise's first new entry in nearly 20 years.
• Development is being handled by Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.

Sega has unveiled new footage showcasing the visual style of its latest 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 entry. Beyond Virtua Fighter 2's surprise physical release, the most recent major release 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 depicts a simulated fight. While impeccably choreographed—more akin to a Sammo Hung film than typical fighting game footage—the staged nature is evident. With other major fighting game franchises recently releasing new titles, Virtua Fighter's return promises to make the 2020s a significant decade for the genre.

New Virtua Fighter Footage Highlights Evolving Visuals

Although not actual gameplay, the in-engine footage offers a glimpse into the final product's visuals. The video shows a departure from the franchise's hyper-stylized characters and polygonal origins, moving towards a more realistic style that blends elements of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The trailer features Akira, the series' iconic character, in two different outfits, neither of which includes his classic bandanna and spiky hair.

Development is led by Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, also responsible for the new Virtua Fighter and the announced Project Century. Ryu Ga Gotoku co-developed the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster with Sega AM2 and is best known for the Yakuza series, beginning with Yakuza 5.

Beyond comments from Virtua Fighter project director Riichirou Yamada regarding the game's direction, details remain scarce. However, Sega's commitment to revitalizing the Virtua Fighter brand is clear, as evidenced by continued previews. As Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared in the VF Direct 2024 livestream, "Virtua Fighter is finally back!"