Support NeoGAF

[Jo Shishido's Cheeks]

just a short one with the cat. two kids were coming down from the shrine and said the cat's leg was better before they got called home by their brother.

then later there was a nice conversation with megumi about how cats are nocturnal. never seen either of those things, it was a real pleasant surprise.

I love when the game surprises you like that.

Last playthrough I had a nice scene with Yamagashi in the park where he told me about his history in the army and his trips to China when he was young.
Hadn't seen it or a couple others (Fuk-san calling Bar Yokosuka to see if you're there was one!) in all these years.

It's truly amazing how much was packed into those 1GB discs.

 

[FranXico]

43,000 backers ladies and gentlemen.

An average of almost $80 per backer.

Pretty sure this is far more than most kickstarter projects have.

 

[Spaghetti]

An average of almost $80 per backer.

Pretty sure this is far more than most kickstarter projects have.

honestly, this is going to outstrip bloodstained in pledges and backers. no doubt about it. if the numbers hold up today around 80k+ i think we'll be fine for the next 27 days.

i expect the last week to show a big boost too, same with the end of the month. a lot of people are waiting for payday.

 

[Elfforkusu]

An average of almost $80 per backer.

Pretty sure this is far more than most kickstarter projects have.

Well, it should soundly beat most kickstarter projects. It's Shenmue 3.

 

[openrob]

9) If you haven't backed yet, just remember that you won't lose out as your backing ($60 or more) means that you will automatically get the game! No lost!

Great points, but actually only $29 snags you the game

 

[Chaos17]

Spread the message people

CO-PRODUCER OF SHENMUE 3 SPOKE:

SONY WON'T GET MONEY FROM KS.

STOP THE PRESSES!

https://twitter.com/CedricBiscay/status/612352032851259392

 

[sleepykyo]

I am a huge Shenmue fan and it absolutely guts me their handling of this campaign has removed my ability to believe in the integrity of this project. I wish it well and hope it turns out great, I just won't be backing it up front.

Clearly you aren't that big a fan. Rather than compromise, you're decided to take your ball and go home.

 

[NekoFever]

An average of almost $80 per backer.

Pretty sure this is far more than most kickstarter projects have.

It's crazy to me how many are pledging hundreds. Even when you can get a copy of the game for $29.

 

[openrob]

i'm gonna do my part soon and put down $30 or $60 for this game to get what it needs to be perfect. Never have participated in a KS before, but this is different.

Remember for $60 you get a LE physical edition for PC!


Anyway, let's talk about the game!
What are you most looking forward to?

I wanna know something about that sword! Been waiting 14 years to find out!

 

[AlteredBeast]

I am most pumped now to find out about this horse

 

[uncredited male]

I have again given to the cause of Yu Suzuki. Onward to 10 million and beyond. Hopefully.

 

[Spaghetti]

only another 18k in 4 and a half hours and we'll have reached the same amount of yesterday

might not happen, but that's not as significant a drop as many would have thought. if we can cross 100k a day it should keep momentum going into the 5 million stretch goals

 

[Oriel]

I am a huge Shenmue fan and it absolutely guts me their handling of this campaign has removed my ability to believe in the integrity of this project. I wish it well and hope it turns out great, I just won't be backing it up front.

If you really wished Shenmue well you would at least give a small $5 donation. It's not much but it would show you cared enough to help out Yu Suzuki and his team.

 

[BadAss2961]

I'm still holding out hope that Sony, after seeing the response to the announcement, will step up and back the majority of the funding.

 

[Spaghetti]

I'm still holding out hope that Sony, after seeing the response to the announcement, will step up and back the majority of the funding.

they won't. they'll just expose themselves to more risk on the project they're keen to keep at arm's length.

it's just the fans and newcomers who've got this. we're holding our own, all things considered.

somebody should contact steven spielberg. he and his son were yu suzuki fans if i recall. there's a photo of them together out there, somewhere.

 

[NoMoreTrolls]

Glad to see that #fundgate is still going strong... Jesus Christ

 

[Chaos17]

they won't. they'll just expose themselves to more risk on the project they're keen to keep at arm's length.

it's just the fans and newcomers who've got this. we're holding our own, all things considered.

somebody should contact steven spielberg. he and his son were yu suzuki fans if i recall. there's a photo of them together out there, somewhere.

Really ?
I want to see that picture now XD

 

[Cave Johnson]

It's crazy to me how many are pledging hundreds. Even when you can get a copy of the game for $29.

$29? $29? One of the most cherished titles in this industry for $29. That's...like a bargain bin sale.

 

[DragonSworne]

$29? $29? One of the most cherished titles in this industry for $29. That's...like a bargain bin sale.

And it's for the PC version too. There is absolutely no reason people should try to sabotage the funding of this game. But consoles wars is going to console wars.

 

[Hypereides]

I'm considering pledging 5$~60$ in the upcoming month. I'm still not certain due to some economy issues. It would be a shame for you - the fans - if Suzuki's original vision would not be realised. I wouldn't mind a physical copy either.

 

[Acquiescence]

The last few days of this Kickstarter are clearly going to be a white knuckle ride for all the Shenmue fans out there. There are a lot of people out there claiming the $10 million mark will be unobtainable, but I think it's doable, it all just depends on how big that last minute surge is.

 

[Cave Johnson]

I'm considering pledging 5$~60$ in the upcoming month. I'm still not certain due to some economy issues. It would be a shame for you - the fans - if Suzuki's original vision would not be realised. I wouldn't mind a physical copy either.

You underestimate the fans. There was, a point in time, where would appreciate something to the equivalent of a manga and/or novel to bring closure to the story. We were THAT desperate, so anything, even short of Suzuki's realized game would be more than sufficient for the fans as long as the core plot is never compromised. They can make the game the equivalent of Gone Home (which technically in some ways it is) and I'll still be fine with it.

 

[Elfforkusu]

I'm still holding out hope that Sony, after seeing the response to the announcement, will step up and back the majority of the funding.

They're paying for (some of?) the PS4 port. That's already a respectable level of involvement, even if they don't pledge Xty million dollars to the core game. (aside: Yes, these are moneyhats.)

Yu will also try to get whatever investor money he can after the kickstarter is over. The better it does, the stronger his case will be.

Keep the faith!

 

[Doctor_Thomas]

I think, in any case, even if the Kickstarter doesn't reach $10m, there's still going to be enough additional support after the fact to push it via Paypal donations or whatever.

 

[Y2Kev]

I really do think people are taking it too seriously. It's no coincidence he was speaking in even increments of $5MM and I doubt he has any idea what the game he exactly wants would cost. I think the point he was trying to make was that he wants AS MUCH MONEY AS POSSIBLE so give it up ppl.

 

[uncredited male]

At the very least I hope Sony or any other publishers involved can help keep the physical shipping costs down somehow. Double Fine Adventure had costs over 400,000 for physical rewards and their shipping.

 

[shinobi602]

It's crazy to me how many are pledging hundreds. Even when you can get a copy of the game for $29.

What's crazy about it? This is basically a dream come true. People want to support it as much as possible.

 

[Chaos17]

New support banner made by Edward J. Jones on Kickstarter
More at (for facebook and twiiter) : http://imgur.com/a/PplsJ

Spoiler

This guy should redo the presentation, I like his banners a lot

 

[HomerSimpson-Man]

I wish I was rich, just threw loads of money to make it happen and not care if it makes money just that it exists.

Alas, I'm not, so I threw $60 down so I can get a physical copy of Shenmue 3. We got 27 more days to keep that dream alive.

 

[Krejlooc]

I still cannot fucking believe shenmue 3 is happening. Its all I have been able to think about, day and night, since the announcement. I actually dreamed about shenmue last night.

I just cant believe it.

 

[NekoFever]

What's crazy about it? This is basically a dream come true. People want to support it as much as possible.

I get it. I'm in for $300 myself. But it's crazy to see it happening.

 

[Shao Kahn Brewing a Stew]

I really do think people are taking it too seriously. It's no coincidence he was speaking in even increments of $5MM and I doubt he has any idea what the game he exactly wants would cost. I think the point he was trying to make was that he wants AS MUCH MONEY AS POSSIBLE so give it up ppl.

Yep. I think everyone complaining about Sony funding this can realize this (especially when Sony isnt funding a large portion of this) and if they're interesting in the series and have $29 to spare, they should kindly support this and make this beauty happen.

I am not fortunate enough to play the original two, but I want to experience a Shenmue title. Better yet, I want to experience a new fully fledged Yu Suzuki title. I have practically played all his games on the older hardware besides Shenmue, and it'll be a fantastic reintroduction to his legacy.

 

[Cave Johnson]

I really do think people are taking it too seriously. It's no coincidence he was speaking in even increments of $5MM and I doubt he has any idea what the game he exactly wants would cost. I think the point he was trying to make was that he wants AS MUCH MONEY AS POSSIBLE so give it up ppl.

I thougt krejooc pointed out that the budget is the first aspect to developing a video game and that he himself has pitched multiple scenarios to where each and possible areas a budget can go through. I'm pretty sure Yu Suzuki had a similar approach with $2 million being the absolute minimum and $10 being the opposite end.

 

[Codiox]

Guys, give me an update. The last time I checked this was were Sony would funding a bit of Shenmue 3. Has this changed?

 

[Spoo]

Yep. I think everyone complaining about Sony funding this can realize this and if thyre interesting in the series and have $29 to spare, they should kindly support this and make this beauty happen.

I am not fortunate enough to play the original two, but I want to experience a Shenmue title. Better yet, I want to experience a new fully fledged Yu Suzuki title. I have practically played all his games on the older hardware besides Shenmue, and it'll be a fantastic reintroduction to his legacy.

It's been long enough man, that I've kind of -- my recollection of the series is bad. Good enough that I remember being really moved by the experience, but I couldn't tell you exactly, moment-for-moment, what the hell I did in those games. My twitch reaction was to pledge immediately, so there's enough emotional attachment to the game series to do that without even thinking.

I think in a lot of ways all but the most die-hard fans who play the games yearly or something will be, in a sense, being introduced to it all over again. So you'll be in good company.

 

[Shao Kahn Brewing a Stew]

Guys, give me an update. The last time I checked this was were Sony would funding a bit of Shenmue 3. Has this changed?

Sony is funding, but less than what Yu Suzuki is asking for via Kickstarter. I'd assume they have a deal where they'll help them coop up Kickstarter cost, and physical product manufacturing cost.

The only thing I can see is that (in a VERY VERY POSITIVE DAY) Sony will match what they get from Kickstarter. However, the team has voiced that most of the money is being funded by gamers.

Edit: Maligna's post below is awesome and explains it better.

 

[Maligna]

Guys, give me an update. The last time I checked this was were Sony would funding a bit of Shenmue 3. Has this changed?

They never were funding it in any large part. Just providing "support". See this thread and help get the word out so people aren't misinformed.

http://m.neogaf.com/showthread.php?t=1067382&page=1

 

[seady]

The kickstarter video reminds me how stiff the animations were and everyone talked like robot in Shenmue 1&2. Not sure I want it to keep that way for Shenmue 3...

 

[kunonabi]

Guys, give me an update. The last time I checked this was were Sony would funding a bit of Shenmue 3. Has this changed?

Sony's involvement has always been minimal. The bulk of the game's development is highly dependent on the kickstarter itself and needs every bit of support it can get there.

 

[brianmcdoogle]

I'm confused now. If they need 10 million, why are they not asking for that amount, why doesn't it say that on the kickstarter, and why is it not listed as a stretch goal?

 

[Weiss]

I wonder how big his "open world" will be.

I kind of hope it's just a small, scenic town that's richly detailed. I'd be more into that.

I'm confused now. If they need 10 million, why are they not asking for that amount, why doesn't it say that on the kickstarter, and why is it not listed as a stretch goal?

Presumably because 10 million is friggin' ridiculously optimistic.

 

[El-Suave]

It's crazy to me how many are pledging hundreds. Even when you can get a copy of the game for $29.

This is the quintessential Kickstarter for many people including myself. Usually I've resigned to stick to the lower tiers after I went in pretty high after the gaming KS floodgates were opened by Double Fine. This one is different though and I'm even pledging a bit higher than I did in the past (which usually was for the first boxed copy tier). Thankfully next month is light on game releases I want, so the budget allows it.

I just hope they're opening PayPal soon because a friend of mine wants to chip in as well, but he doesn't have a credit card. I wish the campaign was run a bit better though, the initial stretch goals didn't inspire much confidence in how the campaign was set up. Individual subtitles are meaningless to most people and it was clear that the funding would breeze through those goals too quickly for them to have meaning.

 

[Doctor_Thomas]

I'm backing #233, I had to struggle the website not working to pledge immediately. I also missed whatever followed up Shenmue III at Sony's press conference.

 

[Jachaos]

I'm backing #233, I had to struggle the website not working to pledge immediately. I also missed whatever followed up Shenmue III at Sony's press conference.

Batman Arkham Knight

 

[Chaos17]

Guys, give me an update. The last time I checked this was were Sony would funding a bit of Shenmue 3. Has this changed?

Here what happened today :
1) http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1067382

2)

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=169203373&postcount=995

3)

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=169187813&postcount=818

 

[boyshine]

I think I just figured out a way to include forklift racing and other nostalgic moments from Shenmue and Shenmue II in Shenmue III. It's super simple, completely optional and doesn't change game flow or feel out of place.

When Ryo goes to sleep, the option "Choose dream" pops up. Different dreams can be available at different times, at random, and even be added in later via DLC.

Perfect for a stretch goal as well.

 

[Shao Kahn Brewing a Stew]

I'm confused now. If they need 10 million, why are they not asking for that amount, why doesn't it say that on the kickstarter, and why is it not listed as a stretch goal?

Here's how Kickstarter works.

Developers in the past who have asked for the realistic number hardly make it. Even if you're off by a dollar, the game would not be funded and no monies will be given to the developer. Once the goal is reached, the real game begins (which is Stretch Goal). These are the elements that will make the game bigger and better and more accessible, like more mini games, more playable characters, more events and scenarios, and even announcing support for hardware like Xbox One or Wii U.

In this case (which is now a norm in Kickstarter), developers will ask for money that will ensure that a minimum viable product can be released. For 2 million, we will finally get Shenmue 3. It may not be how you remember or expect it, but the elements will be there and story and gameplay would be there. To get a good Shenmue experience, they need a lot more money (A LOT).

$10 Million is the suggested cost to squeeze the most out of the Shenmue universe. They are slowly revealing stretch goals, and no one wants to say "$10 million is all we need" because that isn't true. There's always money needed to push the game from an indie title to AAA title. Maybe they're hoping they get way more than $10 million. They may add even more stretch goals after $10 million.

For now, it seems a good enough number to comfortably release a decent game without looking like chumps.

TL;DR: THE Shenmue III will cost $50 Million.

 

[GoldenCrow]

I'm confused now. If they need 10 million, why are they not asking for that amount, why doesn't it say that on the kickstarter, and why is it not listed as a stretch goal?

Well they can get the game done for 2 million however it won't have the complexity of the other games and most likely linear and story focused.

10 mill will be a game comparable with the Yakuza series, they could probably do that for 8 or 9 but that would mean everything would have to be smooth sailing and that is never the case.

If you want a game that is comparable with modern AAA open world RPG's then you would need around 30 milliion+.

 

[TheContact]

Welp. Time to boot up shenmue 1 on my dreamcast.

Is shenmue 2 only for Xbox? It's going for $115 on Amazon. Damn

 

[master15]

Watching this video reminds me why Shenmue III needs all the funding and support fans can muster. If the 3rd gme can capture any of the detail, scope and vision of these games we are in for a treat