Shenmue III was, by and large, a success in the eyes of most fans. It generated over $7,000,000 on Kickstarter.
Through the efforts of it's loyal fanbase, it attracted the interest of a major publisher(though whether they did enough marketing is truly debatable) which enhanced the final product. We also know they were "happy" with its performance, which was in no small part helped by one of the most loyal fanbases in gaming.
In addition, we now have an anime series forthcoming, as well as an exclusive magazine compilation. In addition, SEGA was taken aback by how well received Shenmue I and II were in terms of sales and probably by how often it shows in the tops of their polls, plus merchandise selling out regularly.
An anime series would *never* have been commissioned lest there was continued, *viable* interest in seeing the series persevere.
I've long maintained that Yu Suzuki will do whatever he must, now knowing there is a market and interest, to see his passion project through to the finish line before he announces retirement. I would include Virtua Fighter in this equation as well, because the fighting game scene has seen a big resurgence in the last few years. It is time it returned as well.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Shenmue IV unveiled next year, probably with Sega having a more direct involvement in it.
Through the efforts of it's loyal fanbase, it attracted the interest of a major publisher(though whether they did enough marketing is truly debatable) which enhanced the final product. We also know they were "happy" with its performance, which was in no small part helped by one of the most loyal fanbases in gaming.
In addition, we now have an anime series forthcoming, as well as an exclusive magazine compilation. In addition, SEGA was taken aback by how well received Shenmue I and II were in terms of sales and probably by how often it shows in the tops of their polls, plus merchandise selling out regularly.
An anime series would *never* have been commissioned lest there was continued, *viable* interest in seeing the series persevere.
I've long maintained that Yu Suzuki will do whatever he must, now knowing there is a market and interest, to see his passion project through to the finish line before he announces retirement. I would include Virtua Fighter in this equation as well, because the fighting game scene has seen a big resurgence in the last few years. It is time it returned as well.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Shenmue IV unveiled next year, probably with Sega having a more direct involvement in it.