A surprising update on the future of Shenmue III
In a significant development for fans of the legendary Shenmue series, YsNet has officially transferred the publishing rights of Shenmue III to ININ Games. This move comes as part of a deepening collaboration between the two companies, following their previous partnership on Air Twister.
ININ Games, known for its commitment to celebrating beloved titles and bringing them to new platforms, is excited to shepherd Shenmue III into its next phase. This 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.
We at ININ Games are honored to carry the Shenmue torch forward during such a significant moment in the series’ history,” said an ININ Games representative. “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 newcomers1. 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.
YsNet, founded by innovative game creator Yu Suzuki in 2008 after his career at SEGA, announced the Shenmue III project on Kickstarter in 2015, which led to two Guinness World Records, including the fastest $1 million pledged for a crowdfunded game. Shenmue III was released in 2019 for fans all over the world.
With this new partnership, fans can look forward to more exciting announcements and updates as ININ Games and YsNet work together to honor the legacy of Shenmue and bring it to even more players around the world.