Sega's Risk-Taking Approach Fuels RGG Studio's Ambitious Projects

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG Studio) is tackling multiple large-scale projects simultaneously, a feat attributed to Sega's willingness to embrace risk and innovation. Learn more about the exciting future of the Like a Dragon studio!

Sega Embraces Risk for New IPs and Concepts

RGG Studio, renowned for the Like a Dragon series, has several major projects underway, including a brand-new IP. Despite already planning the next Like a Dragon installment and a Virtua Fighter remake for 2025, they've added two more titles to their development slate. Studio head and director Masayoshi Yokoyama credits Sega's risk-tolerant approach.

In early December, RGG unveiled trailers for two distinct projects within a single week. Project Century, a new IP set in 1915 Japan, debuted at The Game Awards 2025, followed by a trailer for a new Virtua Fighter project (separate from the upcoming Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. remaster) on Sega's official channel. The scale of these projects showcases the studio's ambition, with Sega demonstrating unwavering confidence in RGG Studio's ability to deliver. This reflects a blend of trust and a commitment to exploring uncharted territory.

“Sega embraces the possibility of failure, rather than solely focusing on safe bets,” Yokoyama told Famitsu, as translated by Automaton Media. He suggests this risk-taking is inherent to Sega's DNA, citing the creation of Shenmue. Initially working with the Virtua Fighter franchise, Sega sought new horizons, leading to the question: "What if we made 'VF' into an RPG?" This innovative thinking birthed the action-adventure Shenmue series.

RGG Studio assures fans that the simultaneous development of these projects won't compromise quality, particularly for the Virtua Fighter franchise. Original creator Yu Suzuki has expressed his support for the new project, and with Virtua Fighter being a cornerstone Sega IP, Yokoyama, Virtua Fighter Project producer Riichiro Yamada, and their team are committed to delivering a high-quality product, rejecting anything "half-baked."

Yamada added, "With the new 'VF,' we aim to create something innovative and exciting for a broad audience! Whether you're a series veteran or not, we hope you'll eagerly await further updates." Yokoyama echoed this sentiment, expressing his excitement for both upcoming titles.