Update: Shenmue 3 Released After Successful Crowdfunding Campaign
[Updated 2024/09/04/]
Since the publication of this article, Shenmue 3 has become a reality. Here are the key developments:
- Kickstarter Campaign: In June 2015, Yu Suzuki launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund Shenmue 3. The campaign was a massive success, raising over $6.3 million and becoming the highest-funded video game project on Kickstarter at that time.
- Development: Ys Net, Yu Suzuki’s company, developed the game with additional funding from Deep Silver and Sony.
- Release: Shenmue 3 was released on November 19th, 2019, for PlayStation 4 and PC, nearly 18 years after its predecessor.
- Reception: The game received mixed reviews from critics but was generally well-received by long-time fans of the series.
- Future: Yu Suzuki has expressed interest in continuing the Shenmue saga, stating that Shenmue 3 does not conclude the story and that he hopes to create Shenmue 4.
This long-awaited sequel finally came to fruition, demonstrating the power of crowdfunding and the dedication of the series fanbase.
The original article below provides context on the early stages of this journey.
Yu Suzuk is having a long think about funding a project, in which a Shenmue 3 game can be developed. A Television journalist called Sebastien-Abdelhamid personally interviewed the man behind the Shenmue series (Yu Suzuki) during the Monaco Anime Game Show.
Yu Suzuki had also said that he wants to be able to continue the storyline in an anime or manga type way. The series has got it’s fair share of followers and super-fans. The games have a die hard cult following not just in Asia but all over the world.
The news that a possible third instalment in the franchise will be a welcomed addition amongst the Shenmue faithful. The previous game (Shenmue 2) was last released back in 2001, and the franchise seemed to fade away a bit. Now there is hope of a reborn game that might even feature on one of the next gen consoles.
We will cover more on this story as it develops and let you know on whether or not the Shenmue III game will get a go ahead.
