Sega's Bold Moves with Project Century and Virtua Fighter

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

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG Studio) thrives on Sega's willingness to embrace risk and innovation, enabling the studio to juggle multiple large-scale projects simultaneously. This includes a brand-new IP and a reimagining of a classic franchise. Learn more about these exciting upcoming titles.

Sega Embraces Bold New IPs and Concepts

RGG Studio, renowned for the Like a Dragon series, currently has several major projects underway, including an entirely new intellectual property. 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 for this opportunity.

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 the reveal of a new Virtua Fighter project (separate from the upcoming Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. remaster) on Sega's official channel. The scale and ambition evident in these projects underscore the studio's drive. Sega's confidence in RGG's capabilities, coupled with its commitment to exploring uncharted territory, is a key factor in this success.

"Sega embraces the potential for failure," Yokoyama told Famitsu (as translated by Automaton Media). "It doesn't solely focus on safe bets. This risk-taking spirit is deeply ingrained in Sega's DNA." He cited the creation of Shenmue as an example, born from Sega's desire to experiment after their early work with Virtua Fighter, prompting the question: "What if we made 'VF' into an RPG?"

RGG Studio assures fans that the simultaneous development of these projects won't compromise quality, particularly concerning the Virtua Fighter franchise. Series creator Yu Suzuki has voiced his support for the new project, and Yokoyama, along with Virtua Fighter Project producer Riichiro Yamada, and their team are committed to delivering a high-quality product. They emphatically state, "We have no intention of creating something half-baked."

Yamada added, "With this new 'VF,' we aim to create something innovative and exciting for a broad audience! Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, we hope you'll eagerly anticipate further updates." Yokoyama echoed this sentiment, expressing his excitement for both upcoming titles.