Sega Unveils New Virtua Fighter In-Engine Footage

Virtua Fighter Returns: A Glimpse at Sega's Next-Gen Fighter

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, this new installment promises a fresh take on the classic fighting series.

The franchise's last significant release was Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown (a remaster), launched in 2021. With a Steam release slated for January 2025, this remaster paves the way for the entirely new entry showcased at NVIDIA's CES 2025 keynote.

The recently released video, while not actual gameplay, offers a glimpse into the game's stunning in-engine visuals. The showcased combat is impeccably choreographed, more akin to a cinematic sequence than a typical fighting game demonstration. This polished presentation hints at a high level of development focus. With other major fighting franchises recently releasing new titles, Virtua Fighter's comeback could solidify the 2020s as a golden age for fighting game enthusiasts.

A Visual Evolution for Virtua Fighter

This new Virtua Fighter moves away from its traditionally stylized polygonal aesthetic, embracing a more realistic visual style. The graphics appear to bridge the gap between Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The trailer features Akira, the series' iconic character, sporting new outfits, a departure from his classic look.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, also behind the Yakuza series and co-developer of the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster, is leading development on this new Virtua Fighter, alongside their work on Project Century. This experienced team promises a high-quality product.

While details remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada's earlier comments and Sega's continued releases of teaser footage underscore the company's commitment to revitalizing the Virtua Fighter brand. As Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared in the VF Direct 2024 livestream: "Virtua Fighter is finally back!"