Sega Unveils New Virtua Fighter In-Engine Footage

Virtua Fighter's Return: A Glimpse into the Future

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

The recently released footage, first shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, isn't actual gameplay but rather a meticulously choreographed cinematic showcasing the game's visual style. While undeniably staged, the video offers a compelling look at the game's potential. The visuals represent a significant departure from the series' polygonal roots, aiming for a realistic aesthetic that blends elements of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The iconic character Akira is featured, sporting new attire that deviates from his traditional look.

This new Virtua Fighter follows the 2021 release of Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, a remaster of a previous iteration, which is also slated for a Steam release in January 2025. The development team, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, is also responsible for the acclaimed Yakuza series and co-developed the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster. While details remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada's previous comments hint at a bold new direction for the franchise. Sega's commitment to revitalizing Virtua Fighter is evident, as expressed by Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi's enthusiastic declaration: "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" The game's arrival promises to further solidify the 2020s as a golden age for fighting games.