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Some of you may already be aware that Shenmue 3 - the sequel to Shenmue and Shenmue II, long awaited for 14+ years - is coming to PC and PS4 via Kickstarter. If you already know about it and don't want to back, please feel free to completely disregard this. It is not my desire to be pushy or obtrusive whatsoever. If however you're unfamiliar or are still on the fence, then please check the campaign out here: [URL]bit.ly/saveshenmue[/URL] and indulge me with your patience as you read on below for why this is important to me, and why I beseech those willing and able to consider lending a hand! :)
I never do this. I never “spam" or solicit or take part in promotional activity. But this is a special exception, and I’m asking any able bodied, passionate gamers with even $5 in their pocket to help, because we need you. If I reach even one person, I’ve had a good day! You may have heard that the Shenmue 3 campaign got off to a great start... and it did! A record breaking start in fact. However, since then things have not been going well, as misinformation and confusion have derailed the effort somewhat.
- Point 1: The Kickstarter needs significantly more than the initial $2 million funding goal if the game is to live up to people's expectations. Yu Suzuki has stated quite candidly that the game will need $5 million via Kickstarter for "everything he really wants" to be fulfilled, and $10 million for the sort of open world people are probably expecting from a modern Shenmue followup.
- Point 2: While it is true that Sony and others are lending some technical and marketing muscle to the game's development, they are NOT in fact funding development itself, at least not to the degree that they can put it over the top and get this thing done. That's the reason for the Kickstarter. It's picking up the shortfall, because the first two Shenmue games were less than commercial juggernauts, and Sony is very averse to taking on that sort of financial risk. There's no other way to say it: the Kickstarter NEEDS to succeed for this game to come together!
- Point 3: There are lots of things you can do to support funding, without spending a dime. And other things you can consider doing that do cost a little bit if you're so inclined that would be a big help. That's what I'm here to talk about!
So what can you do? Glad you asked. First the paid options:
First and foremost, fund the Kickstarter. [URL]bit.ly/saveshenmue[/URL] Even a $5 donation will help. Tell your friends and family to do the same.
Secondly, on July 3rd we are launching an initiative known as #30onthe3rd in which we humbly ask that everyone who has already backed the game to increase their Kickstarter pledges by $30. That's enough to get you up to the next highest backer reward tier, and if even a small proportion of everyone who has already backed does this, it could significantly impact the campaign for the better! Remember, we need $5 million, and are shooting for $10 million by the end of the campaign if at all possible!
Thirdly, if you don't feel comfortable backing a game that may or may not turn out as you expect (a very valid concern when it comes to Kickstarter of course,) you can buy something tangible today that you can hold in your hands. Shenmue 3 Kickstarter T-shirts! All proceeds go to the campaign, and you never have to back something that might never exist. If nothing else, you'll have a T-shirt to wear. :) [URL]http://www.redbubble.com/people/frozenlip/works/15291570-shenmue-3-kickstarter[/URL]
So what can you do if you don't want to spend any money (or can't)? No problem:
If you see people spreading erroneous information about the nature of Sony's involvement or claiming the Kickstarter isn't needed, please share this with them to clarify the situation: [URL]https://www.facebook.com/TeamYu/posts/1041569985855040[/URL]
And lastly, most importantly of all, spread the word, just as I have done here today. Word of mouth is the only way this will spread and grow, and grow it must if we are to succeed!But why do I care this much about a video game you may ask? After all, it's just a game right? No matter how beloved or fondly remembered. Well, if you'll indulge me with your time just a bit longer, I'll happily answer that as well.
The games meant a lot to me personally, not just as games I loved and cared about, but because they were on the inimitable but ultimately doomed-to-commercial-failure Sega Dreamcast.
That system changed my life, literally. It was my first ever exposure to the world of the internet. Through it, I met my first girlfriend, who remains a close friend to this day. I met friends I still have who I talk to for hours every day. I was 17 then. Today I’m in my 30s and those experiences and those lifelong friendships mean more to me than I know how to express. So when I think of the games from that era and on that system, they constitute a cherished, magical time in my life.
Due to Dreamcast’s financial failure, Sega’s exit from the console hardware market, and the less-than-stellar commercial performance of both Shenmue games, Shenmue 3 was never made, despite the first two games being part of an overarching story which needed 3 or more games to be told. We never got the resolution to this beautiful tale which made up a small part of that magical time in the twilight of my adolescence.
But today, there is a real opportunity to bring Shenmue back, in all its glory, in the way we all dream of seeing it, as a game that truly meets everyone’s expectations! But we need your help to make that happen.
I thank you for your time, your patience, and your support if you are inclined to give it. If not, hey, that's okay too! It's up to you. I apologize for posting this here, as I'm sure it reads like a solicitation or spam, but I assure you: I'm just a passionate gamer, trying to help a dream come true for myself and others. Peace, and game on, whatever your feelings about this! Have a fantastic day!
This post was edited by Vamphaery on Jun 24 2015 07:30pm