Get ready to dust off your joystick, fighting game enthusiasts! Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. (SGAMY) has confirmed that a new Virtua Fighter title is in development, marking a triumphant return for the legendary franchise. The news was announced by none other than Justin Scarpone, Sega’s global head of transmedia, in a recent interview with VGC.
Scarpone revealed that the company is actively working on reviving several classic Sega titles, including “Crazy Taxi,” “Jet Set Radio,” “Streets of Rage,” “Shinobi,” and, most notably, a brand-new Virtua Fighter game. This news comes as a welcome surprise to fans who have been eagerly awaiting a new installment in the series for years.
For those unfamiliar with the franchise, Virtua Fighter, first released in 1993, holds a significant position in the history of fighting games. Known for its deep, technical mechanics and focus on precision, it has cultivated a dedicated fanbase over the years. While the franchise’s presence in the gaming landscape has waned in recent years, fans have remained hopeful for its return.
The announcement of a new Virtua Fighter game has set the internet ablaze with speculation. Many believe that Sega is planning to deliver Virtua Fighter 6, bringing the franchise back to the forefront of competitive fighting games. The last major release in the series was Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, a re-release of the beloved Virtua Fighter 5, which first launched in 2006. This re-release, along with the franchise’s appearances as a mini-game in Sega’s Yakuza series, served as a reminder of the franchise’s enduring popularity and sparked hope for a full-fledged mainline release.
With Sega’s recent focus on revitalizing its iconic legacy franchises, this new Virtua Fighter title promises to deliver an exciting experience for both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike. As Scarpone noted, Sega is not just focused on reviving games through digital releases; some of its classic franchises are also expanding into other forms of media, such as animation series and live-action films, to complement their gaming roadmaps.
The future of Virtua Fighter remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Sega is committed to bringing back the iconic fighting franchise in a way that honors its rich history while embracing the future of gaming. Stay tuned for further updates as the development progresses.
