Sega Premieres Virtua Fighter Engine Showcase

Virtua Fighter Returns: A Glimpse into Sega's Upcoming Fighting Game

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

The last major Virtua Fighter release was Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, a 2021 remaster (also coming to Steam in January 2025). Since then, the franchise has seen only a commemorative release of Virtua Fighter 2. This new game, however, represents a completely original title.

First shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, the newly released video showcases a meticulously choreographed combat sequence, more akin to a cinematic fight scene than raw gameplay footage. While not actual gameplay, the in-engine graphics offer a strong indication of the game's visual style.

Evolving Visuals: A Blend of Realism and Style

The footage depicts a departure from the franchise's signature hyper-stylized polygons, leaning towards a more realistic aesthetic that blends elements of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The iconic character Akira is featured in two new outfits, a noticeable shift from his traditional look.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio at the Helm

Development is entrusted to Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the acclaimed Yakuza series and also co-developers of the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster. They are also leading the development of Sega's Project Century. This experienced studio's involvement hints at a significant evolution for the Virtua Fighter franchise.

While details remain scarce, Sega's commitment to reviving Virtua Fighter is evident. As President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared in the VF Direct 2024 livestream: "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" The recent footage offers a tantalizing preview of what promises to be a significant addition to the fighting game landscape.