When publisher Deep Silver and developer Ys Net announced that the PC version of Shenmue III would be exclusive to the Epic Games Store for one year, many fans were deeply disappointed and some even wanted their money back. Now, in the latest Kickstarter update, the companies discuss the Epic Games Store exclusivity and what it means for backers who were promised a Steam code, as well as details on campaign goals implemented in the game and features that will be included even though their Kickstarter targets were not reached.
Read the update below, in a free translation:
Hello Everyone,
Regarding the recently announced Epic Games Store exclusivity, all of us at Ys Net, Deep Silver, and Epic are treating this matter with the utmost concern and would like to clarify the circumstances that led to the decision and offer backers options for moving forward.
As noted in the updates and surveys at launch, we originally planned to distribute the PC version through Steam. Taking publishing and sales considerations into account, Ys Net and Deep Silver agreed to partner with the Epic Games Store for distribution of the PC version. As a publishing partner, Deep Silver contributed greatly not only to sales and marketing, but also to increasing the size of the game so that there would be more Shenmue III to begin with. In addition, Epic Games has been with us since the beginning of the project, when we adopted Unreal Engine 4 for development, and provided support throughout the development process.
In response to backers who requested Steam codes for their rewards, we discussed offering the codes on launch day. However, coordinating with the sales policies of the companies involved proved untenable and, as a result, we cannot make a Steam-code distribution option available.
Our inability to provide Steam keys for Kickstarter rewards at the game's launch is a major disappointment and inconvenience for backers who expected to receive them. We apologize for the trouble caused by the announcement.
Response Policy
The team would like to offer the following:
Version Availability
a. Physical PC: Package (Disc) ＋ EGS Code
b. Digital PC: EGS Code
c. Physical PS4: Package (Disc)
d. Digital PS4: PSN Code
*If you select the Physical PC or Digital PC version, an option to also receive a Steam code one year later will be available. Backers must manually select this option in the survey to receive the Steam code.
**If you have already selected PC and want to switch to PS4, or vice versa, you may do so.
■ Survey Implementation
We are currently working on the necessary changes to the backer survey system. We ask for your patience, as there will be a short wait while preparations are made. Once the survey changes have been implemented, an announcement in the updates will provide details and notice of the survey response period (changes to your delivery address may still be made through the backer survey until shipping begins).
■ Regarding Refunds
Together with Deep Silver and Epic Games, we have agreed that if the proposal above is not acceptable to backers, refund requests will be honored.
Details about the refund-request process will be announced in a subsequent update. We ask for your patience until then.
*If rewards within your reward tier, such as in-game content, have already been created and implemented, a full refund may not be possible.
■ PS4 Region Selection
PS4 regions are set automatically based on the country information provided through your backer survey. However, an option in the backer survey will allow you to change your PS4 region during the Survey Response Period. If you want to change your PS4 region, you may choose from four regions: USA, EU, Japan, and Asia. An announcement will be made when the option is added to the survey.
SIEE: Europe / Middle East / Africa / Oceania
SIEA: North America / Central America / South America
SIE Japan: Japan
SIE Asia: Asia (excluding Mainland China and Japan)
■ Physical PC Version
The physical PC version will be delivered on disc. However, the disc will contain the Epic Games Store installer rather than the actual game data.
*Please note that if your selected region differs from the PS4 system region or the console setting, PlayStation™ Network online services or DLC may not work properly.
**Please also be aware that a "cross-region" PS4 selection may cause a shipping delay.
■ About Additional Campaign Goals
Below, we provide an explanation of the differences between the stretch goals promised during the campaign and the actual elements implemented in the final version.
Achieved Stretch Goals and Final Implementation
Some stretch goals achieved during the campaign could not be implemented. There were also stretch goals that were not achieved but could be implemented. Development began in accordance with the stretch-goal content, but the addition of sales partners during production allowed us to increase our development budget. To maximize the game's quality under the adjusted budget, the game plan was fundamentally changed, ultimately allowing us to incorporate several elements beyond our original expectations. The principal changes are listed here [note: the image below shows goals originally achieved on Kickstarter in the first half and several unachieved goals that could be implemented in the second half].
Campaign Stretch-Goal Elements
Achieved Stretch-Goal Elements Not Implemented
- Character Perspective System (implementation could not be achieved in this game).
Achieved Stretch-Goal Elements That Were Changed
- The Skill Tree System was changed to the Skill Book System to better suit the battle style.
- The Baisha area was changed to the Fortified Castle area. Minigames, an infiltration event, battle events, investigation, and battle events were implemented in the Fortified Castle area.
Unachieved Stretch-Goal Elements That Were Implemented
- Please see the image above. Ten of the unachieved elements will be included in the game.
Elements That Were Not Part of the Goals
- Story Enhancements - Shenmue III begins the day after Shenmue II ends. The story now includes more cinematic scenes and nostalgic flashbacks to draw new players (and longtime fans) into the world of Shenmue.
- Large-Scale Free-Roaming Environment - Initially, the Guilin area was to be arranged in three areas: Bailu, Choubu (Niaowu), and Baisha. To accommodate significant additions and changes to game elements, however, Baisha became the fortified Castle area, and the focus shifted to expanding Choubu (Niaowu). In effect, we were able to achieve a larger scale than Shenmue II and bring the fun of an "open world" to life. For a better mission and event experience, the number of NPCs and interactive elements in the towns was increased beyond what was originally imagined for a more complete Shenmue experience.
- Enhanced Battle System - With the inclusion of the Skill Book System and Dojo System, you may train or participate in matches at any time for deeper, more immersive gameplay. Battle difficulty may be changed in the game to make it enjoyable for everyone from beginners to experts.
- Gameplay Loop Enhancements - Story progression, skill acquisition, training, minigames, jobs, and other elements that were independent of one another in previous games were refined to flow as a single gameplay loop.
■ Message from Yu Suzuki
First, I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for your enduring support. This announcement was made in coordination with all of our partners. As such, it was not presented at the proper time, for which I apologize. At last, we have been able to report the results of the project team's review of the EGS exclusive distribution agreement.
The project team is currently focused on finishing everything for the game's release. We are working hard to deliver a game better than expected, even if it arrives a little after the announced release date. Along with the significant project changes at the heart of this announcement, there have been many other changes from our original assumptions. I believe, however, that the game as a whole has been strengthened and that Shenmue III has certainly been transformed and is moving in a positive direction.
Thank you, as always, for your support.
Shenmue III will be released for PlayStation 4 and PC on November 19 with Portuguese subtitles.
