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. Development is being spearheaded by Sega's own Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the acclaimed Yakuza series.
The recently released footage, while not actual gameplay, provides a compelling glimpse into the game's in-engine visuals. The video, initially shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, offers a taste of the planned combat, showcasing meticulously choreographed fight sequences. This carefully staged presentation, more reminiscent of a cinematic action scene than raw gameplay, highlights the game's visual evolution.
A Visual Shift for Virtua Fighter
This new Virtua Fighter iteration moves away from the franchise's iconic hyper-stylized polygons and embraces a more realistic aesthetic, striking a balance between the styles of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The trailer features Akira, the series' flagship character, sporting new outfits, a departure from his classic look.
The involvement of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, also responsible for the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster and Sega's Project Century, assures a high level of development expertise. While details remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada's earlier statements hint at a bold new direction for the franchise.
Sega's commitment to reviving Virtua Fighter is evident, with the company steadily releasing snippets of the upcoming game. As Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared during the VF Direct 2024 livestream, "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" The game's arrival promises to further solidify the 2020s as a golden age for fighting games. The recent Steam release of Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown in January 2025 further builds anticipation for this new chapter in the franchise's history.
