The Game Awards 2023, which took place on December 7, was a spectacular event that showcased some of the most anticipated games and announcements of the year. However, some fans were disappointed by the absence of one of the most iconic fighting game franchises: Virtua Fighter.
Virtua Fighter, which debuted in 1993, is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of 3D fighting games, and has a loyal fan base around the world. The latest entry in the series, Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown, was released in 2021 as a remake of the 2006 original, with improved graphics, online features, and gameplay tweaks.
However, many fans have been eagerly waiting for a new installment in the series, especially after Sega teased a possible announcement at The Game Awards 2023. A few days before the event, Sega sent letters to some prominent fighting game streamers, inviting them to tune in to the show and hinting at a “New Era New Energy” for the company.
What Happened at The Game Awards 2023?
Unfortunately, the letters turned out to be a false alarm, as Sega did not reveal anything related to Virtua Fighter at The Game Awards 2023. Instead, the company focused on other titles, such as Sonic Frontiers, Lost Judgment 2, and Total War: Warhammer III.
This left many Virtua Fighter fans wondering about the fate of their beloved series, and whether Sega has any plans to continue it in the future. Some speculated that the letters were a marketing stunt to generate hype and attention, while others hoped that Sega was still working on something behind the scenes.
What Does Sega Say About the Future of Virtua Fighter?
In a recent interview with Famitsu, Sega’s chief producer Seiji Aoki addressed the issue of Virtua Fighter’s future, and shared some insights into the company’s vision and strategy for the series. According to Aoki, Sega is currently looking into creating a new Virtua Fighter entry, but nothing has been decided yet.
Aoki explained that Sega considers Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown a success, as it attracted both new and old players, and received positive feedback from the community. He also said that Sega is aware of the high expectations and demand for a new Virtua Fighter game, and that he personally wants to make it happen.
However, Aoki also admitted that developing a new Virtua Fighter game is not an easy task, as it requires a lot of resources, time, and innovation. He said that Sega wants to create a game that can satisfy the fans, but also appeal to a wider audience and compete with other modern fighting games.
Aoki also revealed that Sega is exploring various possibilities and options for the future of Virtua Fighter, such as expanding the series to other platforms, genres, and media. He said that Sega wants to make Virtua Fighter a global brand, and that he hopes to announce something exciting in the near future.
What Can Fans Expect from Virtua Fighter?
While Sega’s comments may not be very reassuring for some fans, they do indicate that the company has not abandoned or forgotten about Virtua Fighter, and that it is still interested in developing the series further. However, fans may have to wait a while longer before they see a new Virtua Fighter game, as Sega seems to be taking a cautious and careful approach.
In the meantime, fans can still enjoy Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown, which is available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, and supports cross-play and cross-gen features. The game also offers a variety of modes, customization options, and online tournaments, as well as a Season Pass that includes additional content and characters.
Additionally, fans can also look forward to playing Virtua Fighter 3tb Online, which is a new version of the 1997 classic that adds online support and compatibility with the ALL.Net arcade systems. The game will be released on November 28, 2023, in Japan, and will also be included as a mini-game in the upcoming Yakuza spin-off, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which will launch on January 26, 2024, worldwide.
Virtua Fighter is a legendary fighting game series that has a rich history and legacy, and deserves to be celebrated and preserved. Hopefully, Sega will be able to deliver a new Virtua Fighter game that can live up to the expectations and standards of the fans, and usher in a new era and energy for the franchise.
