Virtua Fighter Reborn: In-Engine Gameplay Preview

Virtua Fighter's Resurgence: A Glimpse into the Future

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

The recently released footage, showcased at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, isn't actual gameplay, but rather a meticulously choreographed demonstration of the game's engine and visuals. While highly stylized, the combat sequence hints at a polished, cinematic experience. This carefully crafted presentation, more reminiscent of a Hong Kong action film than a typical fighting game recording, underscores the team's commitment to quality. With other major fighting game franchises having recently released new titles, Virtua Fighter's return further strengthens the 2020s as a golden age for the genre.

A Visual Evolution

The in-engine footage provides a compelling preview of the game's visual style. The new Virtua Fighter appears to be moving beyond its polygonal roots and hyper-stylized characters, aiming for a more realistic aesthetic that blends elements of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The trailer features Akira, the franchise's iconic character, in two distinct outfits, deviating from his traditional bandana and spiky hair.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, also responsible for the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster (alongside Sega AM2), is leading the development of this new entry, alongside their work on Project Century. This experienced team's involvement suggests a high level of production value and a commitment to delivering a modern fighting game experience.

While details remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada's previous comments and Sega's continued releases of promotional material indicate a strong dedication to revitalizing the Virtua Fighter brand. As Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared in the VF Direct 2024 livestream, "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" The anticipation is building for this long-awaited return.