The publishing rights for Shenmue III have officially been handed over to ININ Games, marking an exciting new chapter for the series. This announcement follows ININ’s recent collaboration with Yu Suzuki’s YSNET on Air Twister.
For the uninitiated (where have you been?), Shenmue III is part of a series that redefined gaming history with its revolutionary storytelling and open-world gameplay. Originally released in 1999, Shenmue set the bar for ambitious, cinematic games and has kept fans hooked for decades with the journey of Ryo Hazuki.
A perfectly timed celebration
The timing couldn’t be better. This year, the Shenmue series celebrates its 25th anniversary, while Shenmue III hits its 5-year milestone. ININ Games is stepping in at just the right moment, promising to carry the torch forward for long-time fans while inviting a new generation of players to join the saga.
ININ shared their excitement in a press release, commenting: “We at ININ Games are honoured to carry the Shenmue torch forward during such a significant moment in the series’ history. As we reflect on two decades of innovation and passion, we remain dedicated to preserving and sharing the journey of Ryo Hazuki with both long-time fans and newcomers.”
What does this mean for Shenmue fans?
With the publishing rights now under ININ’s care, there’s a promise of more to come. ININ is known for breathing life into titles and expanding their reach to new platforms, so this could mean exciting developments for Shenmue III.
The are hints at upcoming celebrations for these major anniversaries, saying, “With this transfer, the story of Shenmue is far from over. We have exciting plans to celebrate these anniversaries, ensuring that this beloved series continues to thrive and inspire.”
Whether it’s new content, special editions, or re-releases, one thing’s for sure: Shenmue’s legacy is still growing.
