Shenmue 3 delayed until 2018

In news that will be of little surprise to anyone, it has been confirmed that Shenmue 3 will not arrive this year.

I know you are all eagerly anticipating the release of Shemue III, however, we unfortunately we must delay its release,” creator Yu Suzuki said.

Shenmue III started with you, the project backers. It’s been almost two years since we started this incredible endeavour together. By utilising new technologies we have been able to discover new possibilities and expression. 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. In order to achieve the game concept you supported and my 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.”

The Shenmue 3 Kickstarter broke records back in 2015, raising $6.3m. Its first few months were rocky, however, with questions being asked about its financing and subsequent additional funding campaigns raising eyebrows.

However, its supporters remain dedicated and, rightly, have largely said that they’re happy to wait the extra time if it helps the game live up to the astonishing level of hype.

Backer comments include:

2018 is fine. I’m glad someone finally said it, and I’m especially glad that it was Yu Suzuki himself telling us. We all knew December 2017 was never going to happen.”

Honestly, I’m just happy that it’s happening, and don’t mind waiting as long as need be to make it a great end to these games that were so important to me.”

I think we expected this. Give it the time it needs – Also, please be sure to release it at the right time from a sales perspective… I’m sure we are all hoping for a Shenmue 4 down the line!!!”

Knew it was going to be delayed don’t think it will be released until 2019 personally. In the meantime please send us the other items we pledged for.”