Sega Previews Virtua Fighter's Next Chapter

Virtua Fighter Returns: New In-Engine Footage Unveiled

Sega has unveiled new in-engine footage of the upcoming Virtua Fighter game, marking the franchise's return after nearly two decades of dormancy. The footage, shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, offers a glimpse into the game's visual style and combat mechanics. Development is being spearheaded by Sega's own Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the Yakuza series and the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster.

While not actual gameplay, the showcased clip utilizes in-engine graphics, providing a realistic preview of the final product. The visuals represent a departure from the franchise's signature polygonal style, moving towards a more realistic aesthetic that blends elements of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The trailer features Akira, the series' iconic character, in updated outfits, deviating from his classic look.

The last significant Virtua Fighter release was Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, a remaster released in 2021. This remaster is also slated for a Steam release in January 2025. The upcoming title will be a completely new entry in the series, with details remaining scarce beyond director Riichirou Yamada's previous statements regarding the game's direction. Despite the limited information, Sega's commitment to revitalizing the Virtua Fighter brand is evident through these ongoing reveals. As Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared in the VF Direct 2024 livestream, "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" The game's arrival could solidify the 2020s as a golden age for fighting games.