Sega Unveils New Virtua Fighter In-Engine Footage

Virtua Fighter's Return: New In-Engine Footage Unveiled

Sega has treated fans to a fresh look at the upcoming Virtua Fighter installment, marking the franchise's triumphant return after nearly two decades of relative silence. The new in-engine footage, showcased at NVIDIA's CES 2025 keynote, offers a glimpse into the game's visual direction and combat style.

The last major Virtua Fighter release was the 2021 Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown remaster (coming to Steam January 2025), leaving a significant gap in the franchise's history. This new title promises a complete departure from previous entries.

The footage itself, while impeccably choreographed, is not actual gameplay. It's a carefully staged demonstration, more akin to a cinematic sequence than a raw gameplay capture. However, the in-engine graphics provide a strong indication of the game's visual style.

A Shift in Visual Style

The new Virtua Fighter appears to be moving beyond its signature polygonal aesthetic and stylized characters. The visuals aim for a more realistic style, bridging the gap between the likes of Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The trailer features Akira, the franchise's iconic character, in updated outfits, deviating from his classic look.

Development and Future Outlook

Sega's Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the Yakuza series and also involved in the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster, is leading the development of this new title, alongside their work on Project Century. While details remain scarce, project director Riichirou Yamada's previous statements hint at a significant shift in direction for the franchise.

Despite the limited information, Sega's commitment to revitalizing Virtua Fighter is evident. As Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi declared in the VF Direct 2024 livestream, "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" This new entry, alongside recent releases from other major fighting game franchises, promises to make the 2020s a golden age for the genre.