Virtua Fighter: New Gameplay Teased

Virtua Fighter's Return: A Glimpse into the Future

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

The recently released footage, first shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, isn't actual gameplay, but rather a meticulously choreographed demonstration showcasing the game's visual style. While undeniably staged, the video offers a compelling preview of the in-engine graphics, hinting at a visual direction that blends elements of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The footage features Akira, the franchise's iconic character, sporting new outfits, a departure from his traditional look.

This new Virtua Fighter follows the 2021 release of Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, a remaster of a previous iteration, which is also slated for a Steam release in January 2025. The upcoming title represents a completely new entry in the series, a significant departure from simple remasters.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, having previously collaborated on the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster, is also leading development on Sega's ambitious Project Century. While details remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada's past comments and Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi's enthusiastic declaration – "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" – indicate a strong commitment to revitalizing this beloved franchise. The return of Virtua Fighter could solidify the 2020s as a golden age for fighting games, following recent releases from other major franchises. The company continues to offer tantalizing glimpses of the game, building anticipation for its eventual launch.