Shenmue freaking 3 kickstarter! It's happening!

the original kickstarter only specified a digital key. the survey that specified steam came out 3 years later. that was some 2 years ago. what if steam no longer existed? would you still be upset that you couldn't get a steam key? Things change, in this case it is such a large change that it is impossible to ignore. Selling on EGS allows then to collect an addition $9 per sale. If they manage 3 million in sales that will be 27 million extra revenue. The entire kickstarter brought in 7 million. Yes, they will lose sales due to it not being on steam. But if it does go on steam they then can do another launch cycle.

You know, this changes my stance a little bit. I went back and looked at the campaign. No mention of Steam in the reward tiers, the campaign overview, or the FAQ. Even went back to check my e-mail to see if the description was since edited and my reward tier says Digital Copy, no mention of Steam.

I didn't care about the platform before, I still don't care now, but it invalidates some of the backlash if they truly made no mention of Steam prior to the campaigns end. If everyone's receipt simply says digital copy, they are technically getting what they paid for and no claim can be made to bait and switch or false advertisement as it would mean nobody was actually promised a Steam copy at the point in which they chose to exchange their money for the game. It's still a shitty thing to do to tout Steam support via the backer survey and then change it later, but by the time backer surveys went out and a platform choice could be made, the decision to purchase the game was long past, thus it could not possible factor into ones buying decision.

I wonder if the slacker backer campaign ended before or after their first mention of Steam support. That's a really important detail.
 
the original kickstarter only specified a digital key. the survey that specified steam came out 3 years later. that was some 2 years ago. what if steam no longer existed? would you still be upset that you couldn't get a steam key? Things change, in this case it is such a large change that it is impossible to ignore. Selling on EGS allows then to collect an addition $9 per sale. If they manage 3 million in sales that will be 27 million extra revenue. The entire kickstarter brought in 7 million. Yes, they will lose sales due to it not being on steam. But if it does go on steam they then can do another launch cycle.

No, it allows Deep Silver to collect extra. Don't expect all of the extra to go to YsNet. Don't even expect them to get whatever Epic paid Deep Silver for exclusivity. The whole idea that this is good for developers really only works when the game is self-published or from a publisher's internal studio. They'll probably get a little more since they're not paying UE4 royalties, but they're not getting that entire $9.
 
It doesn't really matter what they get to me. Shenmue 3 is going to be the last in the series. I don't have any interest in what Ys Net or Deep Silver do afterward.

There is no way it sells enough to warrant a 4th game. And if they leave any unanswered questions after this game fans will be furiously disappointed. Yu Suzuki made it pretty clear this would end it.
 
It doesn't really matter what they get to me. Shenmue 3 is going to be the last in the series. I don't have any interest in what Ys Net or Deep Silver do afterward.

There is no way it sells enough to warrant a 4th game. And if they leave any unanswered questions after this game fans will be furiously disappointed. Yu Suzuki made it pretty clear this would end it.

Nope. They've already said Ryo's story won't be finished in Shenmue 3.
 
'Yes, the end will be open for a sequel’, he replied. ‘It will not be possible to finish with this third episode'

I guess that was in an interview from last year.

Damnit, well hopefully they already have the funding for it.

I really don't see this game selling well. I really don't expect much improvement in gameplay and I don't see anyone but fans of the original enjoying that.
 
'Yes, the end will be open for a sequel’, he replied. ‘It will not be possible to finish with this third episode'

I guess that was in an interview from last year.

Damnit, well hopefully they already have the funding for it.

I really don't see this game selling well. I really don't expect much improvement in gameplay and I don't see anyone but fans of the original enjoying that.

In an interview a few days ago Suzuki said it would put the story at, about, the 40% point.

The growing popularity of the Yakuza games and the constant comparisons between them and Shenmue seems to have given Shenmue some new visibility. I think there are new fans, but hard to say how many people will buy it that didn't back it.
 
No, it allows Deep Silver to collect extra. Don't expect all of the extra to go to YsNet. Don't even expect them to get whatever Epic paid Deep Silver for exclusivity. The whole idea that this is good for developers really only works when the game is self-published or from a publisher's internal studio. They'll probably get a little more since they're not paying UE4 royalties, but they're not getting that entire $9.
they my not collect any additional revenue. But that is irrelevant. The split will be used in negotiations for the next game and then they should be able to negotiate a better deal.
 
they my not collect any additional revenue. But that is irrelevant. The split will be used in negotiations for the next game and then they should be able to negotiate a better deal.

If the PC version does well enough, yeah. Hopefully this turns out good and does well enough to warrant them making more.
 
'Yes, the end will be open for a sequel’, he replied. ‘It will not be possible to finish with this third episode'

I guess that was in an interview from last year.

Damnit, well hopefully they already have the funding for it.

I really don't see this game selling well. I really don't expect much improvement in gameplay and I don't see anyone but fans of the original enjoying that.
Well I believe it was originally intended to be a 6 part game. It never made it past 2 since it was such a niche game for a failing console. It won't sell 10 million unit but could be enough to keep it going.
 
I really don't see this game selling well. I really don't expect much improvement in gameplay and I don't see anyone but fans of the original enjoying that.

I'm trying to be optimistic. I don't think Shenmue will ever sell in record numbers, but it did sell well on the Dreamcast. Not well enough to save a dying, underdog console, but it was one of it's top selling titles. That means that there are a lot of fans out there who enjoy the series and are excited to see it continue. There are also probably a lot of younger gamers who have heard a lot of talk of Shenmue, but have never played it. I don't see those people picking it up right away, but there's an opportunity to turn those people into fans once the game gets discounted, potentially grooming new players for future games in the series.

In addition to that, I have to hope that a faithful Shenmue game is much less expensive to make now than in was 20 years ago. They can leverage existing tools instead of having to pioneer a game engine meant to do something that really hadn't been done before. If they can produce a quality game on a much lower budget and reach a fresh audience while still keeping the hardcore fans, the franchise has a chance to be profitable.
 
You know, this changes my stance a little bit. I went back and looked at the campaign. No mention of Steam in the reward tiers, the campaign overview, or the FAQ. Even went back to check my e-mail to see if the description was since edited and my reward tier says Digital Copy, no mention of Steam.

I didn't care about the platform before, I still don't care now, but it invalidates some of the backlash if they truly made no mention of Steam prior to the campaigns end. If everyone's receipt simply says digital copy, they are technically getting what they paid for and no claim can be made to bait and switch or false advertisement as it would mean nobody was actually promised a Steam copy at the point in which they chose to exchange their money for the game. It's still a shitty thing to do to tout Steam support via the backer survey and then change it later, but by the time backer surveys went out and a platform choice could be made, the decision to purchase the game was long past, thus it could not possible factor into ones buying decision.

I wonder if the slacker backer campaign ended before or after their first mention of Steam support. That's a really important detail.

Yea, I'm a backer and it clearly said Steam. People have been sending their invoice confirmations. I have mine too. Clearly said, Physical Steam Release. I might even upload the image after I scrub out some info. Though, their "looking into stance" is clearly showing some hesitation to writing us off.

Basically, I'll never support them again. However, if they give me my Steam key and/or DRM free key, I'll at least play the game. As it is, I'll never activate that key and they stole my money. Lesson learned.

69 kickstarters backed and this is the first one that screwed me. So, not a bad ratio in the least. A shame I'm out $160. It was also something I truly wanted to support. Bloodstained being the second.
 
Yea, I'm a backer and it clearly said Steam. People have been sending their invoice confirmations. I have mine too. Clearly said, Physical Steam Release. I might even upload the image after I scrub out some info. Though, their "looking into stance" is clearly showing some hesitation to writing us off.

Basically, I'll never support them again. However, if they give me my Steam key and/or DRM free key, I'll at least play the game. As it is, I'll never activate that key and they stole my money. Lesson learned.

69 kickstarters backed and this is the first one that screwed me. So, not a bad ratio in the least. A shame I'm out $160. It was also something I truly wanted to support. Bloodstained being the second.
no money was collected on the basis of steam. they did send out a reward survey that specified steam, but that was 2 years later. If you want to complain about something then complain about them missing the Dec 2017 estimated delivery date
 
no money was collected on the basis of steam. they did send out a reward survey that specified steam, but that was 2 years later. If you want to complain about something then complain about them missing the Dec 2017 estimated delivery date

*rolleyes*

Okay boss.
 
no money was collected on the basis of steam. they did send out a reward survey that specified steam, but that was 2 years later. If you want to complain about something then complain about them missing the Dec 2017 estimated delivery date
yeah im not seeing anywhere were they promised steam codes either...
 
yeah im not seeing anywhere were they promised steam codes either...

It was in the survey they sent out asking which platform people would get the game on:

604671BB-ED8B-4972-8B34-1217F6EA34FE.png
 
It was in the survey they sent out asking which platform people would get the game on:

View attachment 168792
ah haven't seen that. isn't that just an install disk with a collector case?
maybe I should just go back to the bushes, maybe its because im older and have seen numerus launchers come and go but I dont get the outrage over this and the egs.
 
Imagine agreeing with a bunch of people to have a party in a few weeks. Then a week later the planner asks if everyone wants to have it at Jimmy's house. But then a couple days after that still over a week before the party they decide it's going to be at John's house.
Someone doesn't like John so they go around and tell everyone not to come to the party. That's the anti-Epic folks here. Party poopers.
 
Imagine agreeing with a bunch of people to have a party in a few weeks. Then a week later the planner asks if everyone wants to have it at Jimmy's house. But then a couple days after that still over a week before the party they decide it's going to be at John's house.
Someone doesn't like John so they go around and tell everyone not to come to the party. That's the anti-Epic folks here. Party poopers.
This. Seriously get the fuck over it and enjoy the damn game. Nerds sure like to bitch and cry about minor things. I have been waiting almost 20 years for this and going to enjoy the hell out of it day one off the epic store.
 
Does Shenmue 2 still hold up ok today or has anyone played it recently? I only ever played the first one on Dreamcast and never had the original Xbox to play the 2nd one. So I plan on getting them on PS4 after I get moved into our new house soon. I wish they were on Switch too so I could just play it on there now.
 
Imagine agreeing with a bunch of people to have a party in a few weeks. Then a week later the planner asks if everyone wants to have it at Jimmy's house. But then a couple days after that still over a week before the party they decide it's going to be at John's house.
Someone doesn't like John so they go around and tell everyone not to come to the party. That's the anti-Epic folks here. Party poopers.

Are we twelve?

Okay I'll bite on this silliness. You left a creep named Timmy out of the story - he's slinking in the shadows offering people money to come to his house and only his house. He's that pathetic. Or just lazy. Didn't want to put any effort into actually developing a personality so he didn't have to pay people to pretend to like him.
 
Last edited:
This. Seriously get the fuck over it and enjoy the damn game. Nerds sure like to bitch and cry about minor things. I have been waiting almost 20 years for this and going to enjoy the hell out of it day one off the epic store.

You're the one throwing a fit over people daring to have an opinion that isn't praising the very ground YsNet walks on.
 
Does Shenmue 2 still hold up ok today or has anyone played it recently? I only ever played the first one on Dreamcast and never had the original Xbox to play the 2nd one. So I plan on getting them on PS4 after I get moved into our new house soon. I wish they were on Switch too so I could just play it on there now.

I replayed them both when they were re-released. They are, for the most part, the same as they ever were. Whether or not it holds up is pretty subjective. The visuals, controls, and game play mechanics are extremely dated. There are a few minor quality of life improvements, its mostly Shenmue as we knew it back when it was released. That applied to the things that made it great also, though. A good story is just as good today as it was 18 years ago.
 
I replayed them both when they were re-released. They are, for the most part, the same as they ever were. Whether or not it holds up is pretty subjective. The visuals, controls, and game play mechanics are extremely dated. There are a few minor quality of life improvements, its mostly Shenmue as we knew it back when it was released. That applied to the things that made it great also, though. A good story is just as good today as it was 18 years ago.

Well I'm not sure a good story from 18 years ago would still be a good story today, that's all I was really asking, as I can usually get past dated graphics and controls as long as the story is worth it. Having played through many of the current gen Sony exclusives with very strong narratives and excellent production values, I wasn't sure I would find going back to these games nearly as engaging add did when it first released. So I was wondering if anyone else that's played through them recently thought they still held up today or if they only got through it for the pure nostalgia factor.
 
Well I'm not sure a good story from 18 years ago would still be a good story today, that's all I was really asking, as I can usually get past dated graphics and controls as long as the story is worth it. Having played through many of the current gen Sony exclusives with very strong narratives and excellent production values, I wasn't sure I would find going back to these games nearly as engaging add did when it first released. So I was wondering if anyone else that's played through them recently thought they still held up today or if they only got through it for the pure nostalgia factor.

Even nearly 20 years later there really isn't anything like Shenmue on the market. The English dubs are bad, the dialog is clunky as heck (those memes exist for a good reason), and both games tend to spend a bit too much time on busywork or waiting around. Yet, even with all of that, the story is compelling. The game worlds are fun to explore. The off-the-wall absurdity of some elements is a ton of fun to experience. It has been a long time since I've played either game, but I'd still have no problem recommending someone check them out if they're interested. The Steam version of both games is $15 currently and its also on Game Pass PC, which you can get for a buck for the first month, at those prices I'd say jump in and see what you think.
 
  • Like
Reactions: T4rd
like this
shenmue 1 & 2 are on sale for $15 on steam, a good opportunity for people to try them.

also... as for stories... stories IMO are somewhat timeless.
 
shenmue 1 & 2 are on sale for $15 on steam, a good opportunity for people to try them.

also... as for stories... stories IMO are somewhat timeless.

They're also on that xbox for pc game pass that's $5 for the first month. It would probably take you a few to finish them though.
 
Does Shenmue 2 still hold up ok today or has anyone played it recently? I only ever played the first one on Dreamcast and never had the original Xbox to play the 2nd one. So I plan on getting them on PS4 after I get moved into our new house soon. I wish they were on Switch too so I could just play it on there now.

They don't hold up imo.

When Shenmue was released what made it great was the amazing graphics, the amazing open world with so much variety, and the amount of content in the game was more than any game before it. Every line of dialog voice acted when most games didn't even do it at the time. Their budget for the time was insane. The gameplay was awesome too. An open world game with a full on fighting system, it invented quick time events, the story was great for it's time.

The problem is everything has been done better now. The graphics are 20 years old, the voice acting is bad, the story is average, the controls are bad, the gameplay is meh.

It was such an amazing experience at the time, but I don't think anyone new to it would enjoy it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: T4rd
like this
I went ahead and picked up shenmue 1 & 2, should play them before getting shenmue 3.
Fixing the voice acting... can be done by switching to japanese and leaving subtitles on. :)
The controls are pure keyboard based (except for UI). Going to have to figure something out for them....
 
They don't hold up imo.

When Shenmue was released what made it great was the amazing graphics, the amazing open world with so much variety, and the amount of content in the game was more than any game before it. Every line of dialog voice acted when most games didn't even do it at the time. Their budget for the time was insane. The gameplay was awesome too. An open world game with a full on fighting system, it invented quick time events, the story was great for it's time.

The problem is everything has been done better now. The graphics are 20 years old, the voice acting is bad, the story is average, the controls are bad, the gameplay is meh.

It was such an amazing experience at the time, but I don't think anyone new to it would enjoy it.
Everyone's opinion is different, but I found Shenmue to be tedious and annoying to get through. I gave up on it and started playing 2, which is somewhat better. I have friends that have played through both and are looking forward to 3, so not everyone was as put off by its shortcomings. I'm not sure I'm going to make it through 2 either, lol. If 3 has the same gameplay, I'm not sure I'll enjoy it unless they've updated the mechanics.
 
They posted an update to KS today outlining how they plan to handle the PC version. Options are as expected: EGS copy now, Steam copy in a year, or a refund.

They also detailed how the game has changed and grown over the years. It really does sound like they made Shenmue 3 the best it could possibly be.

November can't come soon enough...
 
If selecting either the PC Physical or PC Digital version, an option to also receive a Steam key one year later will be available

sounds reasonable :)
Hello Everyone,

Regarding the recently announced Epic Games Store exclusive, all of us here at YSNET, Deep Silver and Epic are taking the matter with utmost concern and would like to clarify the circumstances leading to the decision and offer backers options for moving forward.



As noted in the updates and survey at launch, we had originally planned for PC distribution through Steam. Taking publishing and sales considerations into account, YSNET and Deep Silver agreed to our partnership with Epic Games Store on PC version distribution. As a publishing partner, Deep Silver has greatly contributed not only to sales and marketing, but to scaling up the game so there is more Shenmue III to begin with. Also, Epic Games has been with us from the start of the project when we adopted Unreal Engine 4 for development, and have given us their support throughout the development process.


In response to backers who have requested Steam keys for their rewards, we discussed offering the keys on the day of release. However, coordination with the sales policies of the involved companies was untenable, and as a result we are not able to make a day one distribution option for Steam keys available.


That we are not able to offer Steam keys for Kickstarter rewards at the time of the game’s release is a great disappointed and inconvenience for those backers who were expecting to receive them. We deeply apologize for the unrest caused by the announcement.



Response Policy

The team would like to offer the following:


Version Availability

a. PC Physical: Package (Disc) + EGS Key

b. PC Digital: EGS Key

c. PS4 Physical: Package (Disc)

d. PS4 Digital: PSN Voucher Code

*If selecting either the PC Physical or PC Digital version, an option to also receive a Steam key one year later will be available. Backers must manually select this option in the survey to receive the Steam key.

**If you had previously selected PC and want to change to PS4 or vice versa, you may do so.


Survey Implementation

We are currently working on the necessary changes to the backer survey system. We ask for your patience as there will be a short wait while the preparations are made. Once the survey changes have been implemented, there will be an announcement here in the updates with details and notice of the survey response period. (Changes to your shipping address may still be made through the backer survey up until shipping begins.)


Concerning Refunds

Along with Deep Silver and Epic Games, we have agreed that should the above proposal not be acceptable to backers, refund requests will be honored.

Details concerning the refund request process will be announced in a following update. We ask for your patience until that time.

*In the case rewards within your reward tier, such as in-game content, have already been created and implemented, a full refund may not be possible.



PS4 Region Selection

PS4 regions are automatically set based on the country information answered the through your backer survey. However, there will be an option through the backer survey that will allow you to change your PS4 region during the Survey Response Period. If you would like to change your PS4 region, you will be able to select from four regions: US, EU, Japan and Asia. An announcement will be made when the option is added to the survey.

SIEE: Europe / Middle East / Africa / Oceania

SIEA: North America / Middle America / South America

SIE Japan: Japan

SIE Asia: Asia (excl. Mainland China and Japan)


PC Physical version

The PC Physical version will be delivered on disk. However, the disk will contain the Epic Games Store installer and not the actual game data.

*Please note, if your region selection differs from the PS4 system region or the console setting, PlayStation™Network online services or DLC may not function properly.

**Also, please be aware that a PS4 "cross region" selection may cause a shipping delay.



About stretch goal

We have provided below an explanation on differences between the stretch goals that were promised during the campaign and the actual elements implemented in the final version.


Stretch Goals Reached and Final Implementation



Some stretch goals that were reached during the campaign were not able to be implemented. There were also stretch goals not reached that were able to be implemented. Development began in line with the stretch goal content, but with the addition of sales partners during production, we were able to increase our development budget. In order to maximize game quality under the adjusted budget, game planning was fundamentally altered and ultimately allowed us to incorporate a number of different elements beyond our original expectations. Listed here are the major changes.


Campaign Stretch Goal Elements

Achieved stretch goal elements not implemented

・Character Perspective System (Implementation could not be achieved in this game.)


Achieved stretch goal elements changed

・Skill Tree System was changed to the Skill Book System to better fit the battling style.

・Baisha area changed to Fortified Castle area. Mini-games, infiltration event, battle event, investigation and battle event have been implemented in the Fortified Castle area.


Stretch goal elements not achieved but implemented

・Please see the image above. 10 of the unreached elements will be included in the game.


Non-Stretch Goal Elements

Story Improvements

・Shenmue III begins the day after Shenmue II leaves off. The story now includes more cinematic scenes and nostalgic flashbacks to naturally draw new players in (and fans back in) to the world of Shenmue.


Scaled Up Free Roaming Enviroment

・Initially, the Guilin area was to be organized into three areas: Bailu, Choubu (Niaowu), and Baisha, but to accommodate major additions and changes to game elements, Baisha became Fortified Castle area, and focus shifted to expanding Choubu (Niaowu). We have in effect been able to achieve a scale greater than that of Shenmue II and bring the fun of an "open world" to life. To better experience quests and events, NPCs and things to interact with in the cities have been multiplied beyond what was originally envisioned making for a more complete Shenmue experience.


Powered Up Battle System

・With the inclusion of the Skill Book System and the Dojo System, you can train or have matches any time you want for deeper, more immersive play. Battle difficulty can be changed in-game to be enjoyable for beginners all the way to experts.


Game Cycle Improvements

・Story progression, skill acquisition, training, mini-games, jobs and other elements that were independent from each other in previous games have been worked to flow into a singular game cycle.




Message from Yu Suzuki

I first want to thank all of you for your enduring support from the bottom of my heart. This announcement was made in the coordination of all our partners. As such, it was not presented in a timely fashion which I apologize for. We have at last been able to report the results of the project team's review of the EGS exclusive distribution deal.


The project team is currently concentrating on finishing up to release the game. We are working hard to deliver a game better than hoped even if by a little for the announced release date. Along with the significant project changes at the heart of this announcement, there have been many other changes since our original assumptions. I believe, however, that the game overall has been strengthened and that Shenmue III has assuredly been transformed and is heading in a positive direction.



Thank you always for your support.
 
They posted an update to KS today outlining how they plan to handle the PC version. Options are as expected: EGS copy now, Steam copy in a year, or a refund.

They also detailed how the game has changed and grown over the years. It really does sound like they made Shenmue 3 the best it could possibly be.

November can't come soon enough...

And that's the right way to handle this. Glad they changed their stance. Now on to waiting for the game to come out and impressions to pop up.
 
And that's the right way to handle this. Glad they changed their stance. Now on to waiting for the game to come out and impressions to pop up.
Basically, their lawyers looked over the Kickstarter and the communications. Determined that based on a previous lawsuit on a Kickstarter, they were in muddy water and would likely stand to lose even more money.

Epic, of course, blames Valve for this.

Reasonable people just want out of this dumpster fire.

Good luck trying to find Shenmue 4!

*awaits his $160*
 
Basically, their lawyers looked over the Kickstarter and the communications. Determined that based on a previous lawsuit on a Kickstarter, they were in muddy water and would likely stand to lose even more money.

Epic, of course, blames Valve for this.

Reasonable people just want out of this dumpster fire.

Good luck trying to find Shenmue 4!

*awaits his $160*

uh what? You just made up a bunch of crap so you can justify being unreasonable to yourself.
 
Back
Top