Ever since it was first revealed at E3 2015, video game lovers everywhere have been talking about the resurrection of the Shenmue series. Shenmue 3 was announced at the Playstation conference, with series creator Yu Suzuki coming out to reassure fans that he was up to the task. It was also revealed that the title’s funding would be handled by the much popular backing website: Kickstarter.
With the crowd funding now over, it appears that Shenmue 3 has brought in $6,333,295. While it didn’t reach it’s stretch goals of $11 million, Sony said that they will assist with the games development. This will likely ensure that Shenmue 3 remains a Playstation console exclusive.
With that impressive haul, Shemue 3 now holds records for being the highest funded and fastest funded video game in Kickstarter history! This is quite impressive for a series that has been dormant for over 14 years. This should please all Shenmue fans, as the series left on a cliffhanger at the end of Shenmue 2, a cliffhanger that even the most devoted Shenmue fan thought would never be resolved (unless you count Shenmue fan fiction)(*Editor’s Note: Oh…I do).
Even after smashing records, many fans remember that the original Shenmue games were very costly endeavors. While their record breaking $6.6 million is very impressive, this brings up the question if it will if it will hinder the creators vision in any way. Suzuki recently took to Twitter to reassure fans by saying, “I am grateful I have another chance for a new Shenmue. I will do everything I can within the budget”.
Shenmue currently has a release set for December 2017. Are you a die hard Shenmue fans foaming at the mouth for the much anticipated revival? Or are you still confused on the popularity of this long dormant series? Let us know in the comments down below!
