Fighting Game Renaissance: DOA, Tekken, VF Back

The Dead or Alive franchise is set to return, with Dead or Alive 6 Last Round slated for release on June 25, 2026. This version will be a content-complete port, with plans for ongoing updates. Concerns exist regarding the exclusion of crossplay and the use of outdated netcode. A new Dead or Alive title is also in development for the PlayStation 5, with a teaser hinting at the return of Kasumi and Ryu Hayabusa, though its release is likely several years away.

This revival, coupled with Tekken 8's anticipated Season 3 and Sega's new Virtua Fighter project, points towards a significant resurgence for iconic 3D fighting games. Dead or Alive has historically been a technical showcase, pushing visual and gameplay boundaries with dynamic stage transitions and unique character animations, a legacy the new title is hoped to continue.

However, this revival highlights the prolonged absence of Soul Calibur, which has not seen a new release in eight years since Soul Calibur 6 in October. Past issues with Soul Calibur 5 and a change in development leadership at Bandai Namco may have contributed to this gap. Despite its historical significance and popularity for guest characters, a new Soul Calibur title remains uncertain.

Tekken 8's Season 3 aims to bring the game "back to basics" after a controversial Season 2. The upcoming Virtua Fighter game, tentatively Virtua Fighter 6, marks the first new numbered entry in over two decades. The return of these franchises, alongside Dead or Alive, offers hope for the genre, while the absence of Soul Calibur leaves a significant void.