Return of the Legends

The 3D fighting game scene is about to get a major boost with the return of Dead or Alive and Virtua Fighter projects. Meanwhile, Tekken 8’s much-anticipated Season 3 is also on the horizon.

Dead or Alive’s Comeback

Dead or Alive series producer Yosuke Hayashi confirmed the beloved franchise will be returning soon. The return starts on June 25, 2026, with the release of Dead or Alive 6 Last Round. However, there are concerns around this re-release, such as no crossplay and outdated delay-based netcode for online matches.

A brand-new Dead or Alive title is also in development for PS5, with a short teaser revealing the return of flagship characters Kasumi and Ryu Hayabusa. The project is likely still a ways off, but it’s exciting to see the series return to the spotlight.

Virtua Fighter’s Revival

Ryu ga Gotoku Studio is working on a new Virtua Fighter project, which is great news for fans of the series. With Tekken 8’s Season 3 and the new Dead or Alive game, all the most iconic 3D fighting game franchises are coming back in a big way.

However, one legendary franchise is still missing in action. The return of these iconic games is a great opportunity for the 3D fighting game scene to thrive once again.

What to Expect

The new Dead or Alive game will likely continue to push the boundaries of what can be done in a 3D fighting game space. The series has always excelled at explosive, creative, and dynamic stage transitions, and it will be exciting to see what the new game has in store.