Sega Ventures: Project Century and Virtua Fighter Showcase Willingness to Innovate

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

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG Studio) is simultaneously developing multiple large-scale projects, a feat attributed to Sega's willingness to embrace risk and innovation. This bold approach is paving the way for exciting new titles from the creators of the Like a Dragon series. Let's explore what's on the horizon.

Sega's Embrace of Risk and New IPs

RGG Studio currently has several major projects underway, including a brand-new IP. Despite already having the next Like a Dragon installment and a Virtua Fighter remake slated for 2025, they've added two more ambitious titles to their development pipeline. Studio head and director Masayoshi Yokoyama credits Sega's risk-tolerant culture for this opportunity.

In early December, RGG unveiled trailers for two distinct projects within a single week. Project Century, a new IP set in 1915 Japan, debuted at The Game Awards 2025, followed by a trailer for a new Virtua Fighter project (separate from the upcoming Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. remaster) on Sega's official channel. The scale of these projects underscores RGG Studio's ambition, and Sega's confidence in their ability to deliver. This reflects a combination of trust and a shared desire to explore uncharted territory.

A Culture of Innovation

Yokoyama highlighted Sega's acceptance of potential failure as a key factor. He stated (as translated by Automaton Media from a Famitsu interview) that Sega doesn't solely focus on safe bets but embraces the possibility of taking chances. He further emphasized that this risk-taking is ingrained in Sega's DNA, citing the creation of Shenmue as an example. Born from the question, "What if we made 'VF' into an RPG?", Shenmue showcases Sega's willingness to experiment and innovate.

Quality Assurance Despite Ambitious Scope

RGG Studio assures fans that the simultaneous development of these projects won't compromise quality, particularly for the Virtua Fighter series. Original Virtua Fighter creator Yu Suzuki has expressed his support for the new project. Yokoyama, Virtua Fighter Project producer Riichiro Yamada, and their team are committed to avoiding a subpar outcome, aiming to deliver an innovative and engaging experience for both existing fans and newcomers.

Yamada added, "With the new 'VF,' we aim to create something innovative that a wide range of people will find 'cool and interesting!' Whether you're a fan of the series or not, we hope you'll look forward to more information. Stay tuned!" Yokoyama echoed this sentiment, expressing his anticipation for both titles' release.