New Gameplay Reveal: Sega's Virtua Fighter Footage Emerges

Virtua Fighter Returns: First New Entry in Two Decades Showcased at CES 2025

Sega unveiled new in-engine footage of the next Virtua Fighter game at NVIDIA's CES 2025 keynote, marking the franchise's first new entry in nearly 20 years. Development is being led by Sega's own Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the Yakuza series.

The footage, while not actual gameplay, offers a glimpse into the game's visual style. It showcases a departure from the franchise's traditionally stylized polygonal characters, leaning towards a more realistic aesthetic that blends elements of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The iconic character Akira is featured, sporting new outfits that deviate from his classic look.

The last major Virtua Fighter release was Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown (2021), a remaster coming to Steam in January 2025. This new installment represents a significant step forward for the series, potentially solidifying the 2020s as a golden age for fighting games. The impeccably choreographed combat sequences in the trailer, more reminiscent of a Hong Kong action film than typical fighting game footage, hint at the studio's commitment to a polished and visually impressive experience.

While details remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada's previous comments and Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi's enthusiastic announcement ("Virtua Fighter is finally back!") at the VF Direct 2024 livestream confirm Sega's dedication to reviving this classic franchise. The upcoming game promises a fresh, innovative experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike. The involvement of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, also behind Sega's Project Century, further underscores the ambitious scope of this long-awaited return.