ININ Games has acquired the publishing rights for Shenmue III, opening the door to potential releases on additional platforms. This development could significantly impact the future of the Shenmue series. Read on to discover more about this exciting news and what it might mean for fans.
ININ Games Acquires Shenmue III’s Publishing Rights
In a thrilling turn of events for the Shenmue community, ININ Games has officially taken over the publishing rights for Shenmue III. Originally a PlayStation exclusive since its launch in 2019, this acquisition sparks hope among fans, especially Xbox enthusiasts, for a port to their console. While specifics are still under wraps, this move by ININ Games could broaden the game's accessibility and rekindle enthusiasm for the franchise.
Currently, Shenmue III is available on PS4 and PC in both digital and physical formats. With ININ Games' track record of bringing arcade classics to multiple platforms, there's a strong possibility that Shenmue III could soon be playable on Nintendo Switch and Xbox, reaching a wider audience.
The Journey Continues in Shenmue III
The journey of Shenmue III began with a successful Kickstarter campaign by Ys Net in July 2015, surpassing its $2 million goal to raise $6.3 million. This overwhelming support underscored the enduring popularity of the series. Following its crowdfunding success, the game was released on PS4 and PC. Now, with ININ Games at the helm, Shenmue III may expand to other platforms.
In Shenmue III, players continue to follow the adventures of Ryo and Shenhua as they delve deeper into enemy territory, chasing the Chi You Men cartel and confronting the formidable Lan Di. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the game seamlessly blends classic aesthetics with modern graphics, creating a vivid and engaging world for Ryo's latest quest.
Shenmue III has garnered a Mostly Positive rating of 76% on Steam, reflecting a warm reception from the majority of players. However, some have expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects, such as the mandatory use of a controller and delays in receiving Steam keys. Despite these concerns, the prospect of an Xbox and Nintendo Switch release keeps fans eagerly anticipating more updates.
Possibility of a Shenmue Trilogy
The acquisition of Shenmue III's publishing rights by ININ Games might also pave the way for a Shenmue trilogy release. ININ Games, renowned for revitalizing arcade classics on modern platforms, is currently partnering with HAMSTER Corporation to release iconic Taito games from the 80s and 90s. This includes the Rastan Saga series and Runark, set to be available in both physical and digital formats starting December 10.
Shenmue I and II, released in August 2018, are currently accessible on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. While there's no official word yet on a Shenmue trilogy, the recent move by ININ Games could bring this vision to fruition, offering fans a comprehensive collection of the series.
