Shenmue creator Yu Suzuki has confirmed that the hotly anticipated third instalment in the cult action-RPG series is gearing up for full-scale production.
Speaking in the latest issue of Famitsu Weekly, Suzuki-san said that he hopes to showcase new Shenmue 3 gameplay at some point in early 2017, and that pre-orders for the PC version of the upcoming sequel will go live on December 15.
“Development is entering the final stage headed towards full-scale production. Early in the new year, I think we’ll be able to show you things such as new videos. We will continue progressing with development so that our backers and those who experience the world of Shenmue for the first time can do so with pleasure.
“Also, at noon on December 15, we will start pre-order sales for the PC version of Shenmue III, which received a lot of requests. Those interested in Shenmue III, please check the official website.
Shenmue 3 release date still to be decided
Shenmue 3 was announced as a Kickstarter-backed project during Sony’s E3 2015 press conference, with Suzuki-san himself unveiling the project on-stage alongside Sony’s Adam Boyes. The game was met with overwhelming support from fans, with Shenmue 3 becoming the fastest videogame on Kickstarter to reach one million.
While an exact release date for the hotly anticipated follow-up to 2001’s Shenmue 2 is still to be decided, Suzuki-san has said that he’s targeting a December 2017 launch for the game on PlayStation 4 and PC. Shenmue 3 has been a long time coming, having been rumored for the best part of a decade, although it was only until Suzuki-san addressed the idea of Kickstarter that the project finally became a reality.
Shenmue was released on the Dreamcast back in 1999 in Japan and arrived in the west the following year. Shenmue 2 hit stores in 2001, although due to the demise of SEGA’s ill-fated console, the game was only available on Dreamcast in Japan and Europe; U.S. gamers had to wait until 2002 to get their hands on a copy for the Xbox.