Sega has offered new insight into its upcoming Virtua Fighter project, confirming that guest characters from other franchises will not be part of the game. In an interview with Giant Bomb, producer Seiji Yamada explained that the development team’s priority is to establish a strong, self-contained Virtua Fighter world, while also introducing new elements to appeal to both returning fans and newcomers.
When asked why now was the right time to return to the series after nearly two decades without a completely new entry, Yamada said the decision came down to timing, resources, and structure. Following the release of Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, the Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio—known for its work on the Yakuza series—was in the right position to take on the project. He acknowledged that while fans have long requested a new installment, the necessary conditions to develop one had only recently come together.
Yamada emphasized that one of the key differences in this new installment will be a greater focus on storytelling. He noted that previous entries lacked substantial narrative and character backstories, something he aims to address this time. “I really felt we need to emphasize that part in the new project,” he said, while also aiming to modernize the series’ distinctive style for today’s audience. He acknowledged uncertainty about how this approach will resonate with younger players but expressed excitement to see the reaction.
Stage design is another area set for expansion, with Yamada pointing to the influence of the RGG Studio’s expertise in crafting detailed, immersive environments. While he did not confirm specifics, he suggested that stages could feature greater interactivity, leveraging the studio’s map-making strengths to enhance gameplay variety.
On the topic of guest characters, Yamada made it clear that the priority is firmly on the Virtua Fighter cast and world-building. While he did not completely rule out crossovers in the future, he stated that such ideas rank low on the current list of development goals.
The new Virtua Fighter project, which has yet to receive an official title, release date, or platform announcement, will be the series’ sixth mainline entry and the first not developed by Sega AM2. It will also mark the second time Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has worked on the franchise, following Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown.
