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, a feat attributed to Sega's willingness to embrace risk and innovation. Discover the exciting new projects on the horizon from the creators of the Like a Dragon series!

Sega Embraces Risk for New IPs and Concepts

RGG Studio currently has several major projects underway, including a brand-new IP. Despite already planning the next Like a Dragon installment and a Virtua Fighter remake for 2025, they've added two more titles to their development slate. Studio head and director Masayoshi Yokoyama credits Sega's proactive approach to risk-taking for these opportunities.

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 and ambition evident in both projects highlight the studio's drive. Sega's confidence in RGG's capabilities, a blend of trust and a desire for innovation, is evident.

"Sega's willingness to accept the possibility of failure, rather than solely pursuing safe bets, is a key strength," Yokoyama told Famitsu, as translated by Automaton Media. He further suggests this risk-taking is ingrained in Sega's DNA, citing the evolution from the Virtua Fighter IP to the action-adventure Shenmue series as an example of their willingness to experiment ("What if we made ‘VF’ into an RPG?").

RGG Studio assures fans that the simultaneous development of these projects won't compromise quality, especially concerning the Virtua Fighter franchise. Original Virtua Fighter 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" outcome.

Yamada adds, "With this new 'VF,' we aim to create something innovative and exciting for a broad audience! Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, we hope you'll eagerly anticipate further updates." Yokoyama echoes this sentiment, expressing his anticipation for both titles' reception.