Sega Unveils Ambitious Projects for Risk-Tolerant Gaming

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

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (RGG Studio) thrives on its ability to juggle multiple large-scale projects simultaneously. This, according to the studio, is a direct result of Sega's willingness to embrace risk and innovation, venturing beyond the confines of safe, predictable projects. Let's delve into the exciting projects on the horizon for the creators of the Like a Dragon series.

Sega Embraces 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 titles to their development pipeline. Studio head and director Masayoshi Yokoyama attributes this opportunity to Sega's open embrace of risk.

In early December, RGG unveiled trailers for two distinct projects within a single week. The Game Awards 2025 showcased Project Century, a new IP set in 1915 Japan. The following day, Sega's official channel premiered 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's capabilities, a blend of trust and a desire for innovation, is palpable.

"Sega's willingness to accept the possibility of failure, rather than solely pursuing safe bets, is a commendable aspect," Yokoyama stated in an interview with Famitsu, as translated by Automaton Media. He further suggested that this risk-taking approach is ingrained in Sega's DNA. He cited the evolution from the Virtua Fighter IP to the Shenmue series as an example of this innovative spirit. The question, "What if we made ‘VF’ into an RPG?" led to the creation of the action-adventure Shenmue franchise.

RGG Studio assures fans that the simultaneous development of these two projects won't compromise quality, especially regarding the Virtua Fighter franchise. Series creator Yu Suzuki has voiced his support for the new project, and with Virtua Fighter being a cornerstone Sega IP, Yokoyama, Virtua Fighter Project producer Riichiro Yamada, and their team are committed to delivering a high-quality product, rejecting the notion of a "half-baked" release.

Yamada added, "With the new ‘VF,’ we aim to create something innovative and captivating for a broad audience. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, we hope you'll eagerly anticipate further updates." Yokoyama echoed this sentiment, expressing his hope that gamers will look forward to both upcoming titles.