Virtua Fighter's Return: New In-Engine Footage Unveiled
Sega has unveiled new in-engine footage of the upcoming Virtua Fighter game, marking the franchise's return after nearly two decades of dormancy. This new installment, the first entirely new entry in approximately 20 years, is being developed by Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio.
The recently released footage, while not actual gameplay, offers a glimpse into the game's visual style. The video, shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, depicts a meticulously choreographed fight sequence, showcasing the game's in-engine graphics. The presentation, more akin to a cinematic scene than raw gameplay footage, highlights the game's polished visuals. This carefully staged demonstration suggests a high level of production value.
Evolving Visuals: A Blend of Realism and Style
The footage shows a departure from the franchise's traditionally stylized polygonal characters, moving towards a more realistic aesthetic that blends elements reminiscent of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The iconic character Akira is featured in two different outfits, notably deviating from his classic look.
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio at the Helm
Development is being led by Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, also responsible for the Yakuza series and co-developing the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster. This studio is also handling Sega's announced Project Century. The involvement of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio suggests a significant shift in the franchise's direction.
While details remain scarce, Sega's commitment to revitalizing the Virtua Fighter brand is evident. The company's enthusiasm, as expressed by Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi in the VF Direct 2024 livestream ("Virtua Fighter is finally back!"), underscores their high hopes for this new entry. The release of this footage, along with the upcoming Steam release of Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown in January 2025, further fuels anticipation for this long-awaited sequel.
