Virtua Fighter In-Game Footage Drops

Virtua Fighter Returns: A New Look at Sega's Fighting Game Comeback

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, the footage offers a glimpse into the game's visual style and direction.

The last significant Virtua Fighter release was Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, a 2021 remaster (also coming to Steam in January 2025). This new installment, however, promises a completely original experience.

First shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, the short video showcases a meticulously choreographed fight sequence featuring Akira, the franchise's iconic character. While not actual gameplay, the in-engine graphics provide a strong indication of the game's visual fidelity. The style appears to blend elements of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6, moving away from the series' earlier polygonal aesthetic towards a more realistic representation of characters. Notably, Akira sports new outfits, foregoing his traditional bandanna and spiky hairstyle.

Development is being led by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the Yakuza series and also involved in the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster. The studio is also working on Sega's announced Project Century. While details remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada has hinted at the intended direction of the game. Regardless, Sega's commitment to revitalizing the Virtua Fighter brand is clear, as expressed by Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi in the VF Direct 2024 livestream: "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" The game's release promises to further solidify the 2020s as a golden age for fighting games.