The legacy of Sega’s Shenmue franchise certainly holds weight even now. Although the series is not as prevalent as Ryu Ga Gotoku’s Yakuza/Like a Dragon, the formula is certainly a catalyst for what came later on for that series. But, the Shenmue series did find new traction with an animated series that did air on Crunchyroll back in 2021.
Additionally, the long-awaited third entry in the series also released as well. As part of a crowdfunded effort, Shenmue III arrived to PlayStation 4 & PC. However, there are no signs of an Xbox port. Even publisher Deep Silver denounced plans for the game. This comes as a surprise as the original two games – Shenmue & Shenmue II – are both available on Xbox alongside PlayStation as well.
In a new press release from ININ Games, the firm reveals that it has now acquired the publishing rights to Shenmue III. This announcement does open for new opportunity for Shenmue offering more ports of the latest game or even new titles altogether.
Following the previous collaboration on Air Twister, this will deepen the relationship with the legendary creator Yu Suzuki and his team. Known for our commitment to celebrating beloved titles and bringing them to new platforms, ININ Games is excited to shepherd Shenmue III into its next phase.
This exciting transfer coincides with two momentous milestones: the 25th anniversary of the Shenmue series and the 5th anniversary of Shenmue III. Since its debut, Shenmue has captivated fans worldwide with its groundbreaking storytelling, immersive open-world gameplay, and its legacy as a pioneer in video game history. Shenmue III continues this tradition, keeping the spirit of the saga alive for a new generation of players.
“We at ININ Games are honored to carry the Shenmue torch forward during such a significant moment in the series’ history. As we reflect on two decades of innovation and passion, we remain dedicated to preserving and sharing the journey of Ryo Hazuki with both long-time fans and newcomers.
“With this transfer, the story of Shenmue is far from over. We have exciting plans to celebrate these anniversaries, ensuring that this beloved series continues to thrive and inspire. Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements as we unveil our vision for the next phase of Shenmue’s legacy.”
Are you interested what ININ Games has planned for Shenmue’s future?
Source: ININ Games
