New Virtua Fighter Gameplay Revealed

Virtua Fighter Returns: A Glimpse into the Future

Sega has unveiled new in-engine footage of the upcoming Virtua Fighter game, marking the franchise's return after nearly two decades. Developed by Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, this new installment promises a fresh take on the classic fighting series.

The franchise has seen limited activity since the release of Virtua Fighter 5, with only remasters keeping the brand alive. The Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown remaster, released in 2021 for PlayStation 4 and Japanese arcades (and coming to Steam in January 2025), served as the most recent major release before this exciting new entry.

Showcased at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, the new footage, while not actual gameplay, provides a compelling look at the game's in-engine visuals. The impeccably choreographed combat sequence, more akin to a cinematic fight scene than raw gameplay, hints at the polished experience to come. This highly anticipated return could solidify the 2020s as a golden age for fighting games.

A New Visual Identity

The footage showcases a departure from the series' signature hyper-stylized visuals and polygonal origins. The new Virtua Fighter appears to strike a balance between the realism of Tekken 8 and the stylized aesthetic of Street Fighter 6. The iconic character Akira is featured in two new outfits, deviating from his traditional look.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio at the Helm

Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, known for the Yakuza series and co-development of the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster, is leading the development of this new title, alongside their work on Project Century. Their involvement suggests a significant shift in the series' direction.

While details remain scarce, the commitment from Sega is clear. As stated by Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi during the VF Direct 2024 livestream, "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" With this new footage and renewed focus, the future of the Virtua Fighter franchise looks brighter than ever.