It was just last week that Ys Net announced via a Kickstarter update that Shenmue 3 would not be shown during this year’s E3. Now, we know why.
According to a new Kickstarter update video, developer Yu Suzuki has confirmed what we long believed that Shenmue 3 would be delayed beyond its December 2017 release date. The game is now scheduled to be released in the second half of 2018.
“I know you are all eagerly anticipating the release of Shenmue 3, however, we must unfortunately delay its release. Shenmue 3 started with you, the project backers,” Suzuki said. “It’s been almost two years since we started this incredible endeavor together. By utilizing new technologies, we have been able to discover new possibilities and expressions.”
“In many ways, the game has become bigger and more beautiful than I initially expected. We do, however, need more time to deliver the game to you,” Suzuki continued. “In order to achieve the game concept you supported and my personal 16 year-long personal dream, we have revised the development schedule. We are moving ahead with a plan to release the game in the second half of 2018. Details will be revealed in the Backer Report later this month. Thank you very much for your understanding and continued support.”
So there you have it, folks. It’s a bummer for sure, but we’re certainly not surprised given the fact that it’s only been in development for about two years. We hope that this added development time will do the game justice, and it will be a worthy follow-up so many people are hoping it will be.
