Sega Unveils New Virtua Fighter In-Engine Footage

Virtua Fighter Returns: A Glimpse into the Future

Sega has unveiled new in-engine footage of the upcoming Virtua Fighter game, marking the franchise's return after nearly two decades of dormancy. Developed by Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, known for the Yakuza series and the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster, this new installment promises a fresh take on the classic fighting game.

The recently released footage, shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, isn't actual gameplay, but rather a meticulously choreographed demonstration showcasing the game's visuals. While undeniably staged, the video provides a compelling look at the game's potential. The style appears to blend the realism of Tekken 8 with the aesthetic of Street Fighter 6, a departure from the franchise's earlier, more stylized polygonal characters. The footage features Akira, the series' iconic character, in updated outfits, noticeably different from his classic look.

Following the release of Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown (a remaster released in 2021 for PlayStation 4 and Japanese arcades, and coming to Steam in January 2025), this new entry represents a significant step for the franchise. The return of Virtua Fighter, alongside other recent fighting game releases, suggests a golden age for the genre.

The development team, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, is also working on Sega's Project Century, further highlighting Sega's commitment to revitalizing its classic IPs. While details remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada's previous comments and Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi's enthusiastic announcement ("Virtua Fighter is finally back!") during the VF Direct 2024 livestream confirm Sega's dedication to this new iteration. The footage serves as a promising preview, leaving fans eagerly anticipating further updates.