Virtua Fighter Revamp Revealed in Gameplay Trailer

Virtua Fighter Returns: New In-Engine Footage Unveiled

Sega has treated fans to a fresh look at the upcoming Virtua Fighter game, marking the franchise's highly anticipated return after nearly two decades. Development is being spearheaded by Sega's own Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, the team behind the acclaimed Yakuza series.

The recently released in-engine footage, first shown at NVIDIA's 2025 CES keynote, offers a glimpse into the game's visual style. While not actual gameplay, the meticulously choreographed combat sequence provides a strong indication of the game's potential. The video's polished presentation, reminiscent of a well-staged action film, suggests a deliberate focus on visual appeal. This comeback could solidify the 2020s as a golden age for fighting games, following recent releases from other major franchises.

A New Visual Direction

The footage showcases a departure from the franchise's earlier, highly stylized visuals. The new Virtua Fighter appears to be aiming for a more realistic aesthetic, blending elements reminiscent of both Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. The iconic character Akira is featured, sporting updated attire that deviates from his traditional look.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, also involved in the Virtua Fighter 5 remaster, is at the helm of this project, alongside their work on Sega's announced Project Century. Details remain scarce regarding the new game, beyond confirmation that it will be a completely new entry in the series. However, Sega's continued unveiling of sneak peeks, culminating in Sega President and COO Shuji Utsumi's enthusiastic declaration of "Virtua Fighter is finally back!" during the VF Direct 2024 livestream, underscores their commitment to the franchise's revival.