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) is simultaneously developing multiple large-scale projects, a feat attributed to Sega's willingness to embrace risk and innovation. This bold strategy is evident in the studio's upcoming slate, including a new IP and a Virtua Fighter revamp. Let's delve into the exciting details.

Sega Embraces Risk for New IPs and Ideas

RGG Studio, renowned for the Like a Dragon series, has several major projects underway, including a brand-new IP. Despite already planning a new Like a Dragon title and a Virtua Fighter remake for 2025, they've added two more ambitious projects. Studio head and director Masayoshi Yokoyama credits Sega's risk-tolerant culture for these opportunities.

In December, RGG unveiled trailers for two distinct projects within a single week: Project Century, a new IP set in 1915 Japan (at The Game Awards 2025), and a new Virtua Fighter project (separate from the upcoming Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O remaster) on Sega's official channel. These large-scale productions showcase the studio's ambition. Sega's confidence in RGG, a blend of trust and a drive for innovation, is evident.

"Sega accepts the possibility of failure; it doesn't solely pursue safe bets," Yokoyama told Famitsu (translated by Automaton Media). He suggests this risk-taking is ingrained in Sega's DNA, citing the creation of Shenmue as an example. Initially working with the Virtua Fighter IP, Sega sought new horizons, leading to the question: "What if we made 'VF' into an RPG?"—resulting in the action-adventure Shenmue series.

RGG Studio assures fans that the simultaneous development of these projects won't compromise quality, especially for the Virtua Fighter series. Original creator Yu Suzuki supports the new project, and Yokoyama, along with Virtua Fighter Project producer Riichiro Yamada, emphasizes their commitment to avoiding a subpar product. This is especially important given VF's status as a timeless Sega IP.

Yamada adds, "With the new 'VF,' we aim to create something innovative and exciting for everyone!" Both Yokoyama and Yamada express their enthusiasm and invite fans to anticipate further updates on both titles.