ININ Games Acquires Shenmue III Publishing Rights: Xbox and Switch Ports a Real Possibility?
The long-awaited possibility of Shenmue III arriving on additional platforms is now a tangible prospect, thanks to ININ Games' acquisition of the game's publishing rights. This development has sparked excitement among fans, especially those on Xbox and Nintendo Switch consoles.
ININ Games' Acquisition Opens Doors for Wider Release
The acquisition of Shenmue III's publishing rights by ININ Games is a significant step. Originally a PlayStation 4 exclusive (released in 2019, also available on PC), the game could soon see releases on Xbox and Switch. ININ Games' history of bringing classic titles to multiple platforms suggests a similar fate for Shenmue III, expanding its reach to a broader audience. The game is currently available digitally and physically on PS4 and PC.
Continuing Ryo's Journey: Shenmue III's Story
Shenmue III continues Ryo Hazuki and Shenhua's quest for justice, taking them deep into enemy territory to confront the Chi You Men cartel and Lan Di. Developed using Unreal Engine 4, the game blends classic aesthetics with modern visuals, creating an immersive world. While the game boasts a "Mostly Positive" 76% rating on Steam, some players have voiced concerns about controller-only gameplay and late Steam key delivery. Despite these issues, the demand for an Xbox and Switch release remains strong.
A Shenmue Trilogy on the Horizon?
ININ Games' acquisition could also pave the way for a Shenmue trilogy release. The publisher, known for its work reviving arcade classics (currently collaborating with HAMSTER Corporation on Taito titles), might bundle Shenmue I, II, and III together. Shenmue I and II are already available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One (released August 2018). While unconfirmed, the possibility of a complete trilogy release under ININ Games is certainly intriguing. The success of the Kickstarter campaign (reaching $6.3 million in 2015) demonstrates the enduring popularity of the series.
