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 triumphant 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 recently released footage, shown at NVIDIA's CES 2025 keynote, isn't actual gameplay, but rather a meticulously choreographed in-engine demonstration. This cinematic showcase, more reminiscent of a Hong Kong action film than a typical fighting game trailer, highlights the game's polished visuals and refined combat animations. The impeccable timing and coordination of every move suggest a highly polished final product. With other major fighting game franchises recently releasing new titles, Virtua Fighter's return promises to further solidify the 2020s as a golden age for the genre.

A Visual Transformation

The video offers a compelling glimpse into the game's visual style. The new Virtua Fighter departs from its previously hyper-stylized, polygonal aesthetic, opting for a more realistic approach that blends elements of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The iconic character Akira is featured in two distinct outfits, a departure from his classic look.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio at the Helm

Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, known for the critically acclaimed Yakuza series and also involved in the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster, is leading the development of this new entry, alongside their work on Project Century. This experienced team's involvement bodes well for the game's quality and potential.

While details remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada's previous comments hint at Sega's ambitious vision for the franchise's future. Despite the current lack of specifics, Sega's commitment to revitalizing Virtua Fighter is evident in their continued releases of promotional material. As Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared during the VF Direct 2024 livestream, "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" And this new footage certainly reinforces that statement.