Yu Suzuki and Ys Net have clarified concerns regarding Shenmue III‘s funding and budget.
The long anticipated sequel took to Kickstarter earlier this month with a goal of $2 million. It was later revealed that both Sony Computer Entertainment and Shibuya Productions are partners of Ys Net also helping funding.
“Sony and Shibuya Productions have been wonderful partners because they believe in Shenmue and want to see the best for the fans and the game,” Yu Suzuki said in a blog post. “Their investment in (and support of) Shenmue have helped to realize a sequel that will stand proud with its predecessors.
“While it is not business practice to discuss the specific details of such arrangements, I can say that with their assistance on the production and marketing end, and in Sony’s case with some publishing support as well, Ys Net is able to use more of the money we collect through Kickstarter purely for Shenmue III’s development. It is also important to note that your funds are going strictly to Ys Net for development of Shenmue III – Sony and Shibuya Productions are not seeing a cent of your Kickstarter dollars.”
Shenmue III is funded $3.6 million, $1.6 million over its initial $2 million goal. If $5 million is reached, Suzuki promises an “an all new gameplay feature,” and if $10 million is reached, “a much larger, completely open world.”
Shenmue III will be developed for PlayStation 4 and PC.