Project Century and Virtua Fighter Project Shows Sega's Willingness to Take Risks

Sega's Risk-Taking Approach Fuels RGG Studio's Ambitious Projects

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG Studio) credits Sega's willingness to embrace risk as the driving force behind its ability to juggle multiple large-scale projects simultaneously. This includes a brand-new IP and a fresh take on existing franchises. Read on to learn more about RGG Studio's exciting upcoming endeavors.

Sega's Bold Investment in New IPs and Concepts

RGG Studio, renowned for the Like a Dragon series, is currently developing several significant projects, including a completely original IP. Despite already having the next Like a Dragon installment and a Virtua Fighter remake slated for 2025, the studio recently announced two additional titles. Studio head and director Masayoshi Yokoyama attributes this opportunity to Sega's proactive approach to risk-taking.

In early December, RGG unveiled trailers for two distinct projects within the same week. Project Century, a new IP set in 1915 Japan, was revealed at The Game Awards 2025. The following day, Sega's official channel showcased a trailer for a new Virtua Fighter project (separate from the upcoming Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. remaster). The scale and ambition evident in both projects highlight the studio's unwavering drive. Sega's confidence in RGG Studio, a blend of trust and a desire for innovation, is clearly evident.

"Sega embraces the possibility of failure," Yokoyama explained to Famitsu (as translated by Automaton Media). "It doesn't solely focus on safe bets." He suggests this risk-taking is ingrained in Sega's DNA, citing the evolution from the early Virtua Fighter IP. Seeking new horizons, Sega pondered, "What if we made 'VF' into an RPG?" This led to the creation of the action-adventure series Shenmue.

RGG Studio assures fans that the simultaneous development of these two projects won't compromise quality, particularly for the Virtua Fighter series. Original creator Yu Suzuki has expressed his support for the new project. With Virtua Fighter being a cornerstone of Sega's legacy, Yokoyama, Virtua Fighter Project producer Riichiro Yamada, and their team are committed to delivering a high-quality product, rejecting the idea of a half-hearted effort.

Yamada added, "With the new 'VF,' we aim to create something innovative and captivating for a broad audience. Whether you're a series veteran or a newcomer, we hope you'll eagerly anticipate further updates." Yokoyama echoed this sentiment, expressing his enthusiasm for both upcoming titles.