Virtua Fighter Returns: New In-Engine Footage Unveiled
Sega has treated fans to a fresh look at the upcoming Virtua Fighter installment, marking the franchise's highly anticipated return after nearly two decades of relative dormancy. The new in-engine footage, showcased at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, offers a glimpse into the game's visual direction and combat style.
While not actual gameplay, the video provides a compelling preview of the game's potential. The footage, featuring impeccably choreographed combat sequences reminiscent of a martial arts film, showcases a departure from the franchise's classic polygonal aesthetic. The visuals appear to strike a balance between the realism of Tekken 8 and the stylistic flair of Street Fighter 6. The iconic character Akira is featured, sporting updated attire, a departure from his traditional look.
This new Virtua Fighter entry is a completely original title, not a remaster or re-release. Development is being handled by Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the Yakuza series and the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster. This same studio is also leading development on Sega's ambitious Project Century. The studio's involvement suggests a commitment to a fresh take on the franchise, aligning with project director Riichirou Yamada's earlier comments on the game's intended direction.
The release of this footage, following the recent announcement of Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown's upcoming Steam release, further fuels excitement for the franchise's comeback. As Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared during the VF Direct 2024 livestream, "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" This new entry promises to make the 2020s a significant era for fighting game enthusiasts.
