Virtua Fighter Creator Seichi Ishii Eyes Japan for Next DAO-Driven Fighting Game Project

Legendary game developer Seichi Ishii, celebrated for his pivotal roles in shaping enduring franchises such as Virtua Fighter and Tekken, has revealed ambitions to return to Japan and spearhead a new fighting game project, utilizing the emerging structure of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAO).

This revelation was shared during a recent interview with Japanese gaming publication 4Gamer, offering rare insight into one of gaming’s most influential designers and the future directions he’s considering. Ishii reflected on his time abroad, specifically mentioning the high cost of living in Canada as a practical motivation for reconsidering a move back to Japan.

Describing the steep increase in everyday expenses, Ishii noted, “The price of a hamburger in a food court can reach 20 Canadian dollars, well over 2,000 yen.

While prices have also risen in Japan, the cost of living here is still lower compared to Canada.” He went on to praise Japanese cuisine, saying that a common fast food chain in Japan offers better quality for a lower price, highlighting some of the cultural differences influencing his decision. More significantly for fans of classic arcade fighters, Ishii outlined his desire to initiate a new fighting game project within a DAO or similar decentralized framework.

“My goal is to launch a fighting game project using a DAO.

If I can secure the financing, I want to carry out this endeavor in Japan,” Ishii explained, emphasizing the innovative use of blockchain-based organizational models in game development.

His statement signals a forward-looking vision that blends established fighting game expertise with cutting-edge technological trends. Ishii’s resume includes groundbreaking work on Sega’s Virtua Fighter (first released in 1993 for arcades and later on Sega Saturn) and the genre-defining Tekken series developed at Bandai Namco.

These franchises have collectively sold millions of copies worldwide and helped define the mechanics of modern fighting games.

Virtua Fighter in particular set industry precedents for 3D gameplay and character physics, with its last major entry, Virtua Fighter 5, released in 2006 and most recently updated in 2021 as Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown on PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation Network. Expanding on his plans, Ishii also expressed interest in potentially rebooting the Virtua Fighter IP, contingent on successful negotiations with Sega to secure the necessary rights.

This approach would see the classic series revitalized through a DAO structure—though fans should temper expectations, as the specifics of such a blockchain-driven reboot remain complex and unconfirmed. As the gaming industry continues to experiment with blockchain technology and decentralized funding models, the prospect of a new fighting game tethered to the legacy of Virtua Fighter—and potentially powered by a DAO—demonstrates the adaptability and future-facing mindset of seasoned Japanese developers.

Ishii’s statements underscore both his personal motivations to return to Japan and his determination to explore fresh pathways in game development while remaining rooted in the genres he helped to pioneer.

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