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

RGG Studio's ability to juggle multiple large-scale projects simultaneously is a testament to Sega's risk-taking approach to game development. This willingness to venture beyond safe bets has enabled the studio to pursue ambitious new IPs and innovative takes on existing franchises.

Sega Embraces Risk, Fostering Innovation

RGG Studio, renowned for the Like a Dragon series, currently has several projects underway, including a brand-new IP. Despite already having a new Like a Dragon title and a Virtua Fighter remake slated for 2025, they've added two more projects to their roster. Studio head Masayoshi Yokoyama credits Sega's open embrace of risk for this opportunity.

In December, RGG unveiled trailers for two distinct projects: Project Century, a new IP set in 1915 Japan, and a new Virtua Fighter project (separate from the Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. remaster). The scale of these projects underscores RGG's ambition, and Sega's confidence in the studio's capabilities. This reflects a relationship built on trust and a shared drive for innovation.

Yokoyama highlights Sega's acceptance of potential failure as a key factor, contrasting it with a solely risk-averse approach. He points to the creation of Shenmue as an example of Sega's innovative spirit, born from the question, "What if we made 'VF' into an RPG?"

RGG Studio assures fans that the simultaneous development of these projects won't compromise quality, particularly for the Virtua Fighter series. Original creator Yu Suzuki has expressed his support, and the team, including producer Riichiro Yamada, is committed to delivering a high-quality, innovative experience.

Yamada promises a "cool and interesting" new Virtua Fighter experience, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers. Yokoyama expresses his excitement for both upcoming titles, promising further updates soon.