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[legacyzero]

I just want to say ...

FUCK YOU POLYGON AND FUCK YOU NEOGAF

While I think your reaction is a bit much, I can't help but agree. Seems some folks will find anything to be outraged over simply for the sake of it, without looking into, and understanding the WHYS behind it. It's even more toxic to this industry than the thing they seem to be upset over.

Shenmue is over SIXTEEN years old. It was an expensive and risky franchise, and Sony had to know that there was a LEGIT need for it, before they risked it. And no, "Petitions" dont fucking cut it. Any dumb moron can go, "HERP YEAH I'LL SIGN YER POTESION!" and then not buy the game. The kickstarter spoke for itself, and before the night could even be over. Also, how could Sony ignore the explosion of Kickstarter and classic IPs by legendary creators?

People. Spend less time throwing a fit over shit, and just ENJOY the resurgence of classic games and IPs.

 

[jacobeid]

People. Spend less time throwing a fit over shit, and just ENJOY the resurgence of classic games and IPs.

This is neoGAF. nofunallowed.jpg

 

[Yaranaika]

This needs to be seen by the fans. If people now think Sony will fund this after their statement, pledges will slow down which I already think happened.

Honestly, I think the majority of the fans have seen it. This is a niche title, it would be wise to release the first two games asap.

 

[Iceternal]

While I think your reaction is a bit much, I can't help but agree. Seems some folks will find anything to be outraged over simply for the sake of it, without looking into, and understanding the WHYS behind it. It's even more toxic to this industry than the thing they seem to be upset over.

Shenmue is over SIXTEEN years old. It was an expensive and risky franchise, and Sony had to know that there was a LEGIT need for it, before they risked it. And no, "Petitions" dont fucking cut it. Any dumb moron can go, "HERP YEAH I'LL SIGN YER POTESION!" and then not buy the game. The kickstarter spoke for itself, and before the night could even be over. Also, how could Sony ignore the explosion of Kickstarter and classic IPs by legendary creators?

People. Spend less time throwing a fit over shit, and just ENJOY the resurgence of classic games and IPs.

I really needed to vent so my reaction was purposefully extreme and it got the point across.
Now I just hope Yu's going to be more transparent about it

 

[nbnt]

I will say this: if we reach the $5 mil mark, one of the things I really want to do with Shenmue 3 will become a reality.
At $10 million, it will truly have the features of an open world

Man this just makes me sad.

 

[J2 Cool]

Man you people need some perspective. The only ones who know about the Polygon article are the gaming hardcore. The ones here, who are currently being set straight.

Thats it. This has little to no bearing on the larger audience, you guys are caught up thinking the videogame landscape that pays attention to pr and articles is bigger than it is. Mainstream gamers heard about it at e3 and thats it. The Kickstarter is slowing down, BECAUSE thats what kickstarters too. Shenmue fans are a vocal minority.

You're panicked its not going to reach 10m so the blame begins. Additonally, Yu Suzuki NEVER said under 10m and it will be a barebones game. NEVER SAID IT. He said that if it hits 10 million it will truly be an open world game, as in pushing boundaries. Its regardless AN OPEN WORLD GAME, and is going to be like the previous Shenmues.

As he said about Bailu village and the like, they will still be areas in the game, the amount of depth, extras and sidequests within them increase with the budget. Thats common SENSE. So everyone stop acting like the sky is falling, its a bad look for Shenmue fans who have been dedicated and focused on a 3rd one. Everything is positive right now, you need to figure out how to get probably a final tally of 5.5-6 m closer to 10. Its NOT 10 or bust. Nobody ever said that. Stop whining about whiners and keep it about the kickstarter and raising the next dollar.

Also something else, to keep the sky from falling. Theres still the possibility of continued donations after the kickstarter. By no means assured, so lets try to hit the goal.

 

[Tricky I Shadow]

Stop whining about whiners and keep it about the kickstarter and raising the next dollar.

SO MUCH THIS!

I think making a new thread for ideas would do wonders.

 

[Elios83]

Pretty much this.

Embarrassing vitriol picked up by an embarrassing site and this is what we're left with.

Happy, everyone?

Ignorance of facts and a good dose of hypocrisy driven by an agenda can damage things.
But honestly I don't get the "this is what we're left with" part.
This is the deal they had to make this game before E3. Funds raised through Kickstarter, Sony backing and helping them in some undisclosed ways.
Nothing has changed so far, Kickstarter is pretty successful, plan was to raise at least 2 million dollars to make the game.
Point is that right now things are not set in stone.
When the Kickstarter is done, based on the total funds they raise, all the partners involved will decide how big they can go and how much money they want to put in the project and then they will truly greenlight the project.
I think that factors like positive reactions and hype created during the conference, record breaking Kickstarter can change things and give more confidence to creditors compared to what they had before announcing the project/deal.
Personally I think that ideally Shenmue 3 should have a scope similar to a Yakuza game. If they can't raise all the money to make such game through Kickstarter we can only hope that the external backers like Sony are convinced to make up for the difference, which I think they will as long as this doesn't cost more than 10 million dollars.

 

[legacyzero]

I really needed to vent so my reaction was purposefully extreme and it got the point across.
Now I just hope Yu's going to be more transparent about it

IMO I would rather see you get your opinion across in a raw fashion, but not risk getting banned, yeah?

I think it'd carry more weight.

 

[GavinGT]

SO MUCH THIS!

I think making a new thread for ideas would do wonders.

We should spam popular Youtubers to do Let's Plays of 1 and 2. There are surprisingly few LPs of Shenmue games.

 

[Y2Kev]

Fuck that. I want someone to create the SNACK LINDA theme using only empty bottles and blow sounds.

Also: Junior Member person, I know you are emotional, but you said fuck you GAF. I get that you're emotional and whatever but that's inappropriate. Please apologize.

 

[legacyzero]

Fuck that. I want someone to create the SNACK LINDA theme using only empty bottles and blow sounds.

Also: Junior Member person, I know you are emotional, but you said fuck you GAF. I get that you're emotional and whatever but that's inappropriate. Please apologize.

I'd back that

 

[GavinGT]

You hurt our feelings, Mr. Iceternal.

 

[Boke1879]

Let's spread the word people. Let's help this shit continue to get funding.

 

[DAREALGUMMY]

Honestly, I think the majority of the fans have seen it. This is a niche title, it would be wise to release the first two games asap.

I've been waiting for this for so long and just now I'm reading about what Sony is doing. I guess I worried myself too quickly when the KS still has about a month to go. It's only been a few days and my feels have been up and down about this. Been busy so I read about Sony backing this (I haven't had time to truly read all the details) so I was upset that they chose this route. Then now with the AMA, Yu pointed out that fans would be the majority of the backers. I'm glad he held one this early on to clarify this.

 

[Iceternal]

I apologize to gaffers who didn't contribute to this. But the others, no way

 

[jacobeid]

Ignorance of facts and a good dose of hypocrisy driven by an agenda can damage things.
But honestly I don't get the "this is what we're left with" part.
This is the deal they had to make this game before E3. Funds raised through Kickstarter, Sony backing and helping them in some undisclosed ways.
Nothing has changed so far, Kickstarter is pretty successful, plan was to raise at least 2 million dollars to make the game.
Point is that right now things are not set in stone.
When the Kickstarter is done, based on the total funds they raise, all the partners involved will decide how big they can go and how much money they want to put in the project and then they will truly greenlight the project.
I think that factors like positive reactions and hype created during the conference, record breaking Kickstarter can change things and give more confidence to creditors compared to what they had before announcing the project/deal.
Personally I think that ideally Shenmue 3 should have a scope similar to a Yakuza game. If they can't raise all the money to make such game through Kickstarter we can only hope that the external backers like Sony are convinced to make up for the difference, which I think they will as long as this doesn't cost more than 10 million dollars.

I don't disagree with you. I'm speaking less about the actual deal itself and more in terms of the way that the conversation shifted from Monday night until now which is likely to continue throughout the development process and quite possibly post-release. We've seen this before in slightly different circumstances (I'm looking at you, Bayonetta 2)

Everything in video games is a controversy these days and it's exhausting. Vitriol on neoGAF picked up by Polygon clickbait helped stir the pot and that upsets me. EDIT: I should clarify that discussion about the subject is not what upset me, but rather the way people attacked this so blatantly and so fervently.

Before we get to calling me a Shenmue fanboy, I've never even played a Shenmue game, though I did back the project because I like seeing my peers happy.

Edit 2: For posterity's sake, I will also wholeheartedly admit that this Kickstarter needs better management and clarification. A lot of this is on them for not quelling the fire sooner.

 

[Erevador]

Let's spread the word people. Let's help this shit continue to get funding.

I do think people could (very respectfully, please) point out via email or social media to some of the people that wrote alarmist articles that maybe they should revisit the topic with more nuance. Then point them to various details that support that contention.

People get caught up in the clickbait frenzy, but sometimes COUNTER clickbait can be just as effective.

 

[PopcornMegaphone]

I'm really curious to see how this game turns out.

 

[UrbanRats]

I haven't even played the second one yet tbh, gonna check it out over the summer tho

But after playing the first I can see why it has had such a cult following

You played the first when it came out, or caught up later on? Because i can see how someone playing the game today would be sort of like "what's the big deal?" Even though many elements of Shenmue are still mostly untouched by the industry (the very grounded adventure setting, outside of the US, for one).

 

[TheXbox]

They need to find a way to make this thing appealing to non-Shenmue fans. Just get out there and say "you don't have to play older titles to enjoy this, this game is accessible for all types of players". I'm sure they've said something to that effect already, but they really need to drive it home if they want to reach a wider audience. As it is, I bet most of the hardcore Shenmue fanbase has already backed the project.

Also, physical PS4 copy. I'll back it as soon as they add that as a reward tier. If not, I'll settle for a digital copy, but a physical version for consoles would definitely bring in more backers. I don't know why Sony hasn't already agreed to this.

 

[Hitokiri03]

If only Suzuki had someone as amazing as Ben Judd managing his kickstarter

Yep, their campaign is really poorly handled.

 

[Gestault]

When I was seeing people insist on the idea that "Sony was funding Shenmue III," I was nervous because it seemed like people were suggesting that they were more-or-less fully covering it, and nothing I had seen suggested that, and I know the idea of a company funding the game would make others less likely to contribute to the Kickstarter out of complacency.

 

[jacobeid]

Also, physical PS4 copy.

I don't think it's a big secret that a lot of people would change their $29 pledge to $60 if this was an option. If less than half of the current backers at the $29 level changed their pledge to $60 that'd be an additional ~$360,000, and I think more than half of the backers would change to the $60 level.

Come on Yu and Sony, work it outttttt.

 

[Piers]

While I think your reaction is a bit much, I can't help but agree. Seems some folks will find anything to be outraged over simply for the sake of it, without looking into, and understanding the WHYS behind it. It's even more toxic to this industry than the thing they seem to be upset over.

Shenmue is over SIXTEEN years old. It was an expensive and risky franchise, and Sony had to know that there was a LEGIT need for it, before they risked it. And no, "Petitions" dont fucking cut it. Any dumb moron can go, "HERP YEAH I'LL SIGN YER POTESION!" and then not buy the game. The kickstarter spoke for itself, and before the night could even be over. Also, how could Sony ignore the explosion of Kickstarter and classic IPs by legendary creators?

People. Spend less time throwing a fit over shit, and just ENJOY the resurgence of classic games and IPs.

I agree, and I'm one such person who'll find excuses in anything to sulk and whine.

 

[Delstius]

They need to find a way to make this thing appealing to non-Shenmue fans. Just get out there and say "you don't have to play older titles to enjoy this, this game is accessible for all types of players". I'm sure they've said something to that effect already, but they really need to drive it home if they want to reach a wider audience. As it is, I bet most of the hardcore Shenmue fanbase has already backed the project.

The first stretch goal is actually about that, explaining the story so far in short films so you can just jump in.
If only everything was clearly explained on the Kickstarter page.

 

[Acquiescence]

I just want to say ...

FUCK YOU POLYGON AND FUCK YOU NEOGAF

You can all try and get this guy banned with your gif replies all you want, but you know there's some truth to what he's saying.

 

[Remachinate]

All right, so wait. Polygon writes an article saying the funding of Shenmue may not be what backers think it is, and they need to do due diligence. Those who agree that the article has a point are told "just don't back." People take this to heart and factor this into their due diligence to make a backing decision accordingly.

The Polygon article is later vindicated, and promises of a sizeable investment from Sony evaporate. Those people mentioned above who made a decision to back or not back weren't misinformed. And now the article is being blamed, because they made more people consider all the risks than back based on riding a wave of unmitigated enthusiasm?

 

[PopcornMegaphone]

They need to find a way to make this thing appealing to non-Shenmue fans. Just get out there and say "you don't have to play older titles to enjoy this, this game is accessible for all types of players". I'm sure they've said something to that effect already, but they really need to drive it home if they want to reach a wider audience. As it is, I bet most of the hardcore Shenmue fanbase has already backed the project.

Also, physical PS4 copy. I'll back it as soon as they add that as a reward tier. If not, I'll settle for a digital copy, but a physical version for consoles would definitely bring in more backers. I don't know why Sony hasn't already agreed to this.

I think once they add more detail about the scope of the game based on funding it will help.

 

[2 Slice Toaster]

You can all try and get this guy banned with your gif replies all you want, but you know there's some truth to what he's saying.

If only the truth wasn't buried in a tantrum then. Alas!

 

[hohoXD123]

They need to find a way to make this thing appealing to non-Shenmue fans. Just get out there and say "you don't have to play older titles to enjoy this, this game is accessible for all types of players". I'm sure they've said something to that effect already, but they really need to drive it home if they want to reach a wider audience. As it is, I bet most of the hardcore Shenmue fanbase has already backed the project.

Also, physical PS4 copy. I'll back it as soon as they add that as a reward tier. If not, I'll settle for a digital copy, but a physical version for consoles would definitely bring in more backers. I don't know why Sony hasn't already agreed to this.

They already said they're going to have intro videos for the first two games, as someone who hasn't played them that's enough for me to want to jump in.

 

[Boke1879]

All right, so wait. Polygon writes an article saying the funding of Shenmue may not be what backers think it is, and they need to do due diligence. Those who agree that the article has a point are told "just don't back." People take this to heart and factor this into their due diligence to make a backing decision accordingly.

The Polygon article is later vindicated, and promises of a sizeable investment from Sony evaporate. Those people mentioned above who made a decision to back or not back weren't misinformed. And now the article is being blamed, because they made more people consider all the risks than back based on riding a wave of unmitigated enthusiasm?

But that's not the case at all. Boyes said Sony would provide support and help with marketing. I believe John Drake said Sony isn't the only investor and Yu himself said he expects most of the funding to come from backers.

I don't know how the Polygon article is vindicated when it was nothing but Kuchera throwing shit at a wall just to see what sticks

 

[Hitokiri03]

Polygon criticised Bloodstained campaign too, but it didn't avoid from being successful.

 

[Synless]

Sheeesh. The press has been so toxic with this game... seriously.

They nearly claimed it was a scam or something. Some would just say its already funded by Sony and so it doesnt need help anymore.

What the heck seriously. I wait 10 freakin years, nearly half of my life for Shenmue 3 and when it happens its like people try to not make it happen.

You know what I don't understand? Why the fuck should it matter is Sony or anyone else gives $2 or $50 million towards the game pending interest on kickstarted support? It shouldn't matter, you want the game you support it. It's not like the goals were some outrageous amount for a game as financially demanding as Shenmue. Bunch of ignorant fuckers in this world.

 

[hohoXD123]

You can all try and get this guy banned with your gif replies all you want, but you know there's some truth to what he's saying.

Gaf isn't exactly a hive mind so no, there isn't a whole lot of truth to what he said, there were plenty of members saying that the outrage was unnecessary and we should at least wait for more info.

 

[Nibel]

They need to find a way to make this thing appealing to non-Shenmue fans. Just get out there and say "you don't have to play older titles to enjoy this, this game is accessible for all types of players". I'm sure they've said something to that effect already, but they really need to drive it home if they want to reach a wider audience. As it is, I bet most of the hardcore Shenmue fanbase has already backed the project.

Also, physical PS4 copy. I'll back it as soon as they add that as a reward tier. If not, I'll settle for a digital copy, but a physical version for consoles would definitely bring in more backers. I don't know why Sony hasn't already agreed to this.

This is a huge issue as well, a lot of people asking Yu for 1+2 HD.

The problem is though: SEGA is responsible for both games. Not only that they are having a different focus right now but there is also the license issues.

Shenmue 2 was on the dev XBLA once as 'Project Barkley' and part of that huge SEGA DC-remaster wave that gave us Crazy Taxi, NiGHTS and few others. I assume that Shenmue 2 HD is probably already done, but they couldn't release it back then because of those licensing problems and can't do it now.

I have no idea how much a social media campaign would do, but chances seem to be very grim. I think SEGA is well aware of Shenmue's following and would have gave them at least the Shenmue 2 remaster, but this seems impossible.
As for Shenmue 1: I saw a rumor once that said that both games are HD ready to be released on XBLA back then, but that SEGA held them back. Dunno, I can see them having planned to release Shenmue 2 only since that was a orginal Xbox game once and had a Shenmue 1 video recap on disc.

To be honest: I think if they went out on that Sony stage that day, announced the Shenmue 3 Kickstarter AND announced a Shenmue 1+2 HD on PSN available right out of the door, it would have pushed the KS a lot. Imagine Shenmue 1+2 HD having just very simple features like screenshot with #PS4Share tags; people would have spread word on the game themselves that way and I bet some scenes could have turned into memes and spread it even further.

As of right now, I'm happy that this exists in some way, even though I think the Kickstarter and organization of everything could have been smoother and more professional. I'm very annoyed by the false info spreaded by a jaded vocal minority on the internet to create a certain narrative, but you know what? Fuck them. This is bigger than they could ever be.

 

[sturgboski]

So, I know its said a lot here, but is it finally time to ban Polygon? Everything they write is clickbait and majorly uninformed like this article, the infamous Mario Kart pre chat article, their console reveal stream where they lied about features in both consoles to make PS4 look worse, and that article by Ben Kuchera (pattern?) about how great it is for everyone that Rise if Tomb Raider is exclusive. They only value they add here are the numerous multipage threads refuting the article and calling for the site's ban.

As for the Kickstarter, same shit happened with Amplitude and Sony isn't even funding that. Godus, Mighty No. 9, and Bloodstained (and I am sure others) all had publishers behind the scenes that I am sure kicked in some funding. I understand no liking it being exclusive and choosing not to back, but because someone might be adding more money behind the scenes? That's ridiculous. If anything that extra funding would be adding to what goals the game meets in the Kickstarter meaning a better title in the end. Disappointing.

 

[mbmonk]

I just want to say ...

FUCK YOU POLYGON AND FUCK YOU NEOGAF

I really needed to vent so my reaction was purposefully extreme and it got the point across.
Now I just hope Yu's going to be more transparent about it

While your venting may have given you some short term relief, you have potentially hurt the very cause you support.

You cannot force people to back this project. So you are left with persuasion. Telling an entire forum of potential backers "F*** You" isn't going to help persuade people to your cause. While the current backers will applaud and agree, you are alienating the very people that could help your cause.

So while your venting provided you some relieve, you are possibly sawing off the very branch your are standing on.

 

[GavinGT]

All right, so wait. Polygon writes an article saying the funding of Shenmue may not be what backers think it is, and they need to do due diligence. Those who agree that the article has a point are told "just don't back." People take this to heart and factor this into their due diligence to make a backing decision accordingly.

The Polygon article is later vindicated, and promises of a sizeable investment from Sony evaporate. Those people mentioned above who made a decision to back or not back weren't misinformed. And now the article is being blamed, because they made more people consider all the risks than back based on riding a wave of unmitigated enthusiasm?

The article was pretty much implying that someone else is funding a large part of development. Now we have Suzuki saying that individual backers are funding the majority of development. I don't see how the article is vindicated.

 

[Delstius]

Polygon criticised Bloodstained campaign too, but it didn't avoid from being successful.

The marketing team did a great job on Bloodstained... now if you look at Shenmue, yeah that's its main issue atm.
The whole "Sony is probably funding the game" didn't help anyway.

 

[GhostTrick]

You know what I don't understand? Why the fuck should it matter is Sony or anyone else gives $2 or $50 million towards the game pending interest on kickstarted support? It shouldn't matter, you want the game you support it. It's not like the goals were some outrageous amount for a game as financially demanding as Shenmue. Bunch of ignorant fuckers in this world.

You're right, it shouldnt matter at all. Its like preordering a game. I don't see the same outrage when people preorder games.

In any case, I decided to up my pledge from 100 to 300 dollars. Totally deserve it. Thats like 30 dollars a year since I waited for Shenmue 3.

 

[SmoothBrain]

I don't fully understand the logic behind articles or arguments, asking to reconsider or, as in the case of a forbes contributor, to actually stop funding the game (headline has been rewritten, but the damage is done). Assuming that Sony actually did use (or abuse) the kickstarter to gauge interest - as a possible contributor, you don't lose anything by pledging. Get the game for 29$, what's the big deal? The higher the endresult, the better the chances to either stay independend (and maybe bring it to other plattforms) or get a possible higher funding from third parties.

By contributing there is absolutly nothing to lose (except for the donated money) and that's exactly why I'm shocked. If this is successful, we might see someone elses favorite franchise asking for pledges. Dark Cloud 3! Legend of Dragoon 2! My god, the possibilities.

I only played Shenmue 2 for a while because of the small games near the harbour. Watched a LP of the game, because the tank controls kept me away.

What I saw and remembered was what I like in games, so I just put 185$ on the table. It's currently my limit, I might even push for the 300$, because of the signed illustration.

So instead of hating, put your money on the table (or spam social media) and help out some gaming friends.

 

[UrbanRats]

You can all try and get this guy banned with your gif replies all you want, but you know there's some truth to what he's saying.

Alright, but let's not pretend it would've done 10 millions otherwise.
There is a reason why every publisher turned this down, after all, as sad as it is.

 

[Jarmel]

This has been a complete clusterfuck.

 

[GhostTrick]

Alright, but let's not pretend it would've done 10 millions otherwise.
There is a reason why every publisher turned this down, after all, as sad as it is.

If Bloodstained can raise 5.5 millions without the Castlevania name... I cant see how Shenmue 3 can't raise 10 millions.

 

[Nibel]

This has been a complete clusterfuck.

You mean reaching their funding goal in under 9 hours - which is a world record for a video game by the way - and still having 27 days left to improve things?

Yeah, complete clusterfuck.

 

[Storm Chamber]

The Giant Bombs did this

 

[Remachinate]

But that's not the case at all. Boyes said Sony would provide support and help with marketing. I believe John Drake said Sony isn't the only investor and Yu himself said he expects most of the funding to come from backers.

I don't know how the Polygon article is vindicated when it was nothing but Kuchera throwing shit at a wall just to see what sticks

You can't deny that the understanding of most fans that the Kickstarter was primarily to gauge interest and that most of the funding was going to come from elsewhere. The article was just pointing out that it could be a mistaken assumption, which it turned out to be.

The article was pretty much implying that someone else is funding a large part of development. Now we have Suzuki saying that individual backers are funding the majority of development. I don't see how the article is vindicated.

The article was saying the exact opposite, that claims of someone else providing most of the funding were not confirmed.

 

[Jarmel]

You mean reaching their funding goal in under 9 hours - which is a world record for a video game by the way - and still having 27 days left to improve things?

Yeah, complete clusterfuck.

Considering they still don't have a clear message in terms of financing, absolutely.

This is something that should have been cleared up long ago.

 

[GavinGT]

The Giant Bombs did this

Giant Bomb is at it again.