Sega Unveils New Virtua Fighter In-Engine Footage

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, first shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, offers a glimpse into the game's visual style and direction.

The last major Virtua Fighter release was the 2021's Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, a remaster hitting PlayStation 4 and Japanese arcades (with a Steam release slated for January 2025). This new entry, however, promises a completely original experience.

The showcased video, while not actual gameplay, provides a compelling demonstration of the game's in-engine graphics. The visuals represent a significant departure from the series' earlier, hyper-stylized polygonal aesthetic, leaning instead towards a more realistic style that blends elements reminiscent of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The trailer features Akira, the franchise's iconic character, sporting new outfits that deviate from his traditional look.

Development is being spearheaded by Sega's own Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the acclaimed Yakuza series and also involved in the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster. They are also responsible for Sega's upcoming Project Century. This suggests a significant commitment to revitalizing the Virtua Fighter brand.

While details remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada’s previous comments hint at Sega's ambitious vision for the game. Nevertheless, Sega's enthusiasm is palpable, as evidenced by Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi's declaration during the VF Direct 2024 livestream: "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" The release of this footage further solidifies the 2020s as a potential golden age for fighting games.

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