Virtua Fighter Returns: A Glimpse at Sega's Upcoming Fighting Game
Sega has unveiled new in-engine footage of the next Virtua Fighter game, marking the franchise's return after nearly two decades. Developed by Sega's own Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the game promises a fresh take on the classic fighting series.
The recently released footage, shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, offers a glimpse into the game's visual style. While not actual gameplay, the in-engine visuals suggest a shift towards realism, blending elements reminiscent of both Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. This departure from the series' earlier, more stylized polygonal aesthetic is evident in the portrayal of Akira, the franchise's iconic character, sporting new outfits that deviate from his traditional look.
The last major Virtua Fighter release was Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown (a remaster), launched in 2021. This remaster, recently confirmed for a Steam release in January 2025, paved the way for this entirely new entry. The short video showcasing the new game features impeccably choreographed combat, more akin to a film sequence than a typical fighting game demonstration. This highly polished presentation hints at the level of detail and refinement being poured into the project.
The development team, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, is also responsible for the Yakuza series and co-developed the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster. This suggests a significant evolution in the franchise's direction, further supported by comments from Virtua Fighter project director Riichirou Yamada regarding the game's intended trajectory. While specifics remain scarce, Sega's commitment to reviving the Virtua Fighter brand is clear, with the company actively sharing updates and building anticipation for the game's release. As Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared in the VF Direct 2024 livestream, "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" The game's arrival promises to further cement the 2020s as a golden age for fighting games.
