‘Thank you for your patience’
In the midst of last week’s E3 festivities, one helluva storm broke out upon the reveal that long-awaited RPG sequel Shenmue III is to launch initially on Epic Games Store when it arrives on PC this November. This announcement infuriated a selection the game’s backers, who immediately inundated developer Ys Net with a slew of complaints.
Some of these backers then requested refunds, either from the developer or direct from their payment sources, but matters were made worse when Ys Net and publisher Deep Silver announced that they would not be offering refunds for those who wished to receive the sequel via Steam. (It should also be noted that Shenmue III will be coming to Steam, but at an undisclosed later date.) Ys Net has since put out a new statement, which doesn’t make any motion toward changing the situation, but notes that the developer is “listening” to backer complaints.
“We want to make sure that the Backers are aware that we are listening to their concerns,” says the statement, posted on Kickstarter. “We kindly ask all our fans to have some patience, we are currently at E3 demoing the game and need to get back to our respective offices to assess the situation and together find a way forward to justify the trust you placed in us. Thank you for your patience and support.”
As I noted last week, the development of Shenmue III has been a long process, but has been built on a very personal connection and faithful relationship between developer and community. To see things turn sour this close to release is a shame, and hopefully the situation can be turned around, one way or another.
Shenmue III launches on PS4 and PC November 19.
Shenmue III statement addresses Epic Games Store controversy [Kickstarter]