Virtua Fighter Returns: New In-Engine Footage Unveiled

Sega has treated fans to a fresh look at the upcoming Virtua Fighter game, marking the franchise's highly anticipated return after nearly two decades of relative silence. Developed by Sega's own Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the new installment promises a significant visual evolution.

The last major Virtua Fighter release was the 2021's Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, a remaster hitting PlayStation 4 and Japanese arcades (and soon Steam in January 2025). Beyond that, the franchise's activity has been limited to a commemorative release of Virtua Fighter 2.

First shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, the new footage, while not actual gameplay, offers a compelling glimpse into the game's in-engine visuals. The short video showcases a pre-rendered combat sequence featuring Akira, the franchise's iconic character, in updated attire, foregoing his classic bandanna and spiky hairstyle. The meticulously choreographed fight scenes suggest a polished, cinematic approach, more reminiscent of a Hong Kong action film than a typical fighting game recording. This visually stunning return could solidify the 2020s as a golden age for fighting games.

A Shift Towards Visual Realism

The new Virtua Fighter departs from its hyper-stylized, polygonal roots, embracing a more realistic visual style that blends elements of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. This stylistic shift is a significant departure for the franchise, signaling a bold new direction.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, also responsible for the Yakuza series and co-developer of the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster, is leading the development of this new entry, alongside their work on Sega's announced Project Century.

While details remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada's previous comments hint at Sega's ambitious vision for the franchise's future. However, Sega's commitment to revitalizing Virtua Fighter is undeniable, as evidenced by the continued release of promotional materials. As Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared in the VF Direct 2024 livestream: "Virtua Fighter is finally back!"