'Shenmue 3' Release Date, Gameplay & Trailer: Yu Suzuki's Team 'Getting Into Development'

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"Shemue" series creater, Yu Suzuki, has confirmed that YsNet has officially started developing "Shenmue III."

"...We have just started getting into development, and as we move ahead, I will listen to all of you to make Shenmue III even better. I thank you again all for your support, and wholeheartedly look forward to the rest of our journey together," Suzuki said.

Some might be wondering why there have already been trailers released for the game, if the developers have just started working on it. Games Radar explains that those trailers were just proof-of-concept videos and tech demos.

Wikia adds that all the concepts, titles, and even character design have already been finished and planned out. All that was really needed it seems to develop the third installation and the other titles was funding, since the original company supposedly backing the game, Sega, discontinued its support.

In Sony's press conference at E3 this year, Suzuki announced that "Shenmue III" will be crowdfunded, meaning funding for the game would mostly come from people interested in making the third installment a reality.

The campaign for funding "Shenmue III" was placed on KickStarter, a funding platform where people can either pledge or monetarily support projects. People willing to invest on a project are called backers.

In the case of "Shenmue III," over $1 million was raised for the creation of the game within the first eight hours of the proposal. In total, backers raised $6.3 million, to fund the creation of the game.

Yu Suzuki wrote a statement directly thanking the game's fans on KickStarter:

"... All of this was accomplished by your efforts. Through the illustrations you drew, the videos you produced, and all that you did throughout the campaign, I could not help but feel the deep love you have for Shenmue..."

He went on to say how shocked he was that his game still had so much support even after fourteen years since the release of "Shenmue II." He also expressed his gratitude towards the fans and backers, who openly supported and financially aided the making of "Shenmue III."

Other than crowdfunding, the game will also be backed by Sony, states Trusted Reviews. Sony will also market and produce the game, which is why it will be coming out on the PlayStation 4 first. It will also be released on the PC.

Wikia states that the third installment of "Shenmue" will resume at Chapter 6 of the series and most likely continue on to Chapter 16. In addition, the story will still focus on the journey of Ryo and Shenhua.

For those willing to wait, the third installment of "Shenmue" will reportedly be ready by the end of 2017, states Trusted Reviews.