ININ Games has recently acquired the publishing rights for Shenmue III, sparking excitement among fans about the potential for the game to be released on additional platforms. This development could significantly impact the future of the Shenmue series, bringing it to a broader audience.

ININ Games Acquired Shenmue III’s Publishing Rights

Potential Release to Xbox and Switch Consoles

In a thrilling update for fans of the Shenmue series, ININ Games has officially taken over the publishing rights for Shenmue III. This announcement has reignited hopes, especially among Xbox enthusiasts, who have long awaited a port to their console. Although specifics are still under wraps, this move by ININ Games suggests a potential expansion of the game to new platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and Xbox, thereby reviving interest in the franchise.

Currently, Shenmue III is available on PS4 and PC in both digital and physical formats. Given ININ Games' reputation for bringing arcade classics to multiple platforms, there's a strong possibility that Shenmue III could follow suit, reaching an even wider audience.

The Journey Continues in Shenmue III

The journey of Shenmue III began with a successful Kickstarter campaign launched by Ys Net in July 2015. The campaign surpassed its $2 million goal, raising an impressive $6.3 million, a testament to the enduring interest in the series. Following its crowdfunding success, the game was released on PS4 and PC. With ININ Games now holding the publishing rights, the possibility of Shenmue III reaching other platforms has become more tangible.

In Shenmue III, players follow the continued adventures of Ryo and Shenhua as they delve deeper into enemy territory to uncover the truth behind Ryo's father's death. Their quest leads them to confront the Chi You Men cartel and face off against Lan Di once again. Developed using Unreal Engine 4, the game seamlessly blends classic aesthetics with modern graphics, creating an immersive and vibrant world for Ryo.

On Steam, Shenmue III holds a Mostly Positive rating with a 76% approval score. While many fans have embraced it as a worthy addition to the series, some have expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects, such as the necessity of using a controller and delays in receiving Steam keys. Despite these concerns, the community remains hopeful for an Xbox and Nintendo Switch port.

Possibility of Shenmue Trilogy

The acquisition of Shenmue III's publishing rights by ININ Games could pave the way for a Shenmue trilogy release. ININ Games, known for revitalizing arcade classics on modern platforms, is currently working with HAMSTER Corporation to release Taito games from the 80s and 90s, such as the Rastan Saga series and Runark, in a physical and digital bundle set for release on December 10.

Shenmue I and II, released in August 2018, are available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. While there's no official word yet on a Shenmue trilogy, the recent acquisition hints at the potential for ININ Games to bring all three games together under their banner, offering fans a comprehensive experience of the beloved series.