Sega is working on a new Virtua Fighter game, marking the first new entry in the series since 2006. This news was revealed by Justin Scarpone, Sega’s global head of transmedia, who shared that the game is part of a larger effort to revive classic Sega franchises like Jet Set Radio and Crazy Taxi. These projects are aimed at breathing new life into aging intellectual properties that have been largely forgotten by modern audiences.
Scarpone explained that Sega is facing the challenge of appealing to two very different generations. Older players, now in their 40s and 50s, have fond memories of these Sega titles from their youth, while younger gamers may not have any connection to them at all. The key challenge for Sega is to find a way to modernize these IPs in a way that resonates with younger audiences, while still maintaining the appeal for long-time fans who grew up with these games.
Although Scarpone did not provide specific details on what the new Virtua Fighter game would entail, he acknowledged that it will need to appeal to both nostalgic fans and a new generation of players. Given Virtua Fighter’s legacy as one of the first 3D fighting games, the new installment will likely retain the technical depth and precise combat mechanics the series is known for while adapting to modern gaming trends.
In addition to Virtua Fighter, Sega is also working on reviving other classic franchises, such as Shinobi. Scarpone mentioned that Shinobi will not only return as a video game but will also have a film adaptation. This indicates that Sega’s strategy is to extend the appeal of its classic properties across multiple forms of media, with the hope of engaging a broader and more diverse audience.
Reviving these old IPs presents a significant challenge, as Scarpone acknowledged. Sega’s success will depend on how well it can balance nostalgia with innovation, ensuring that these franchises feel fresh and relevant to new audiences, while also honoring the core elements that made them beloved by fans in the first place.
