I do genuinely think something is in the pipeline but what it is, I honestly have no idea. There's been subtle hints/teases when for example we look at Yu's famitsus revolution interviews.
Lets look at 2020's first. The keyword for that year was "a new project start" and his new year resolution was "To leverage my know-how from Shenmue III and focus on planning a world with even more freedom." From what we've seen via twitter 110industries are into making/creating RPG's (Wanted: Dead & Vengeance Is Mine) and judging by the screens/early footage they have posted when possible there's huge areas to explore which makes me think there were early discussions here between the two. They (110) also recently said they "love yu, and think his amazing" so they would respect any opinion or advice he would be willing to share on their developed world's.
Next we look at 2021's. Keyword for last year was "Shooting / RPG." Bearing in mind he was appearing at their TGS event around this time, their two projects like I said above iis wanted: dead and vengeance is mine both shooting/RPGs they were also looking for a "legendary player" to join their studio. Yu was I believe at one point in an advisory/consultant role in his final years with sega, this also makes me think he jumped at the opportunity to jump to 110 to "leverage his know how". This also makes me think that shenmue IV was also likely discussed at this time. Hence "Guess Why he was at our stream
" One of his new year resolutions was to "look back at competitive fighting games" not too sure about this one
and the other "the sequel to..." Which to me screams tease if you remember the postmortem GDC event in 2014 when someone asked yu about a possible shenmue 3 the year before it was announced his answer was "..." I believe at this time shenmue IV was secretly greenlit, a publisher was found and agreed to the pitch presented which is where we are currently at. Shenmue 3's requirement of updating fans monthly and early screens/footage is no longer needed or required with this game they can do as they please and handle it the way they want to without the pressure of revealing too much too soon.
Now move on to this year 2022. keyword "Mix" which could imply 110industrys way of expanding and branching their businesses to not only one area, they're providing yu an opportunity and a chance to work with far more freedom with people from many backgrounds with more than one This can also apply to one of his new year resolutions "to work with people from different industries, such as movies and musicians. I want to bring a different style to game making." Work with people from different (Industries = 110industries?) Bearing in mind also they're not limited to one Industrie but putting their hands and feet into many. Also he has worked with many different folk on the recent anime too and maybe he was looking to bring some of them onto a new team of game development, a new bunch of eyes will bring a new feel but also yu will still have total control which will still have it's old charm. And of course the second "I hope to have something to announce this year." This seems coincidental now we have the recent rumours which have yet to be denied or dismissed by the supposed linked company. Instead they continue to like, comment and follow which is the exact opposite. 110industries recently posted a reply on twitter to an eager fan who is also apart of the dojo playfully requested another title: "Guys! Wait in line, please! Thereโs too many franchises people want to resurrect, geez." This immediately struck me whether you guys agree or not that "wait in line" so why is there a line? Are you already working on the said line before possibly moving further along to other games? Think about it? A funny way to respond
I believe something is coming. I don't know maybe I'm clutching at straws but I think a few things have been overlooked when you piece the puzzle day by day the picture becomes clearer. I think they're definitely worth keeping an eye on now the animes drawing to a close in 2 weeks anything could happen after it concludes or anytime after down the line if yu's 2022 comment of an announcement holds true. I'm just trying to keep speculation going here! I'm trying.