Shenmue III's crowd funding campaign has been a little strange. After smoking Kickstarter's servers during Sony's memorable E3 2015 press conference, it was met with scepticism and some serious messaging issues, which caused it to slow right down. However, following the announcement of a physical PlayStation 4 copy, the enthusiasm is back – and it looks likely to smash a few more records over the course of the coming weeks.
But speaking as part of a Twitter question and answer session, creator Yu Suzuki has iterated that he truly is grateful for the opportunity to make the sequel – irrespective of the amount of money raised. "I am grateful I have another chance for a new Shenmue," he said. "I will do everything I can within the budget." The SEGA legend previously hinted that $10 million would be ideal, but it doesn't look like it'll raise that much.
However, the good news is that there'll still be plenty for you to explore: Suzuki-san explained that the open world will be about the size of Dobuita from the original Shenmue should it only accrue $5 million. While small by modern sandbox standards, this area was packed with numerous shops, secrets, and characters on the Dreamcast, so we'd take it. It sounds like this is going to be a much more personal sequel anyway.
The veteran developer dropped a few other tidbits over the course of the Q&A, namely that he's considering working with Coca-Cola to get some licensed soft drinks in the release, and that there's still a possibility that classic SEGA franchises could be represented, in the form of arcade games and toy capsules. He also added that he's thinking about implementing a dialogue selection system, perhaps similar to the one in the fourth disc of Shenmue II.
The campaign's up to $4.3 million at the time of typing, with the next Stretch Goal adding an extra quest to the Baisha Village environment. With just 12 days left to go now, it's going to be interesting to observe the campaign's final push. What would convince you to up your pledge at this point? And if you're not currently a backer, what kind of announcement would get you involved? Search for sailors in the comments section below.
[source twitter.com]
Comments 8
Yeah, one thing I don't get is why there isn't more product placement in video games. Sounds like a great idea. I'd be happy with dobuita, any smaller would be a bit silly. Hopefully they'll secure further outside funding and make the game they want to. I just hope it sells well and we can continue the story to Shenmue IV.
Hopefully we have a surge now, I've put in a menial amount, but will likely put the rest in for the physical release if it breaks a few barriers in the meantime.
I couldn't find the stretch goals when I had a quick look can someone post the next 3-4 as my phone (always the phone) is incapable of showing the actual site and can only read it on pc or ps4. Cant even navigate the site. Will have a proper look later on
@Bad-MuthaAdebisi It's funny you should mention that, I was going to put up a forum post earlier in the week about product placements. I'll do it later tonight.
I think Shenmue's Kickstarter has gone the same as a lot of popular kickstarters, they start off very quickly and gets funded, then it slows down for about two weeks before picking up again within the last ten days.
Hopefully it will get a decent amount of funding. I'm sure they will secure outside investment from other sources product placement/Sony.
@adf86 2 mil was a stupid target, should have gone for maybe 6, bigger risk but at least we're getting something anyway.
Already upped my pledge from $29 to $60 at the announcement of a physical release.
I hope what he does with that budget, he does well.
He could probably start by getting Ryo a new band aid. 16 year old band aid sounds yucky.
I may pledge for this. So many KS I have supported, not even one has been released yet.
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