ININ Games' Acquisition of Shenmue III Publishing Rights Opens Door for Xbox and Switch Releases
ININ Games has acquired the publishing rights for Shenmue III, sparking excitement among fans and raising the strong possibility of the game's release on additional platforms, including Xbox and Nintendo Switch. This follows the game's initial 2019 release as a PlayStation exclusive.
The acquisition fuels speculation about a wider release, particularly given ININ Games' history of bringing classic titles to multiple consoles. Currently available on PS4 and PC, Shenmue III could soon reach a significantly larger audience on Xbox and Switch. This potential expansion is a welcome development for players who missed the original release or prefer playing on different consoles.
Shenmue III's Continued Journey and Fan Reception
Shenmue III, funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign, continues the adventures of Ryo and Shenhua as they pursue the truth behind Ryo's father's death. The game, developed using Unreal Engine 4, blends classic aesthetics with modern graphics, creating an immersive gaming experience. While generally well-received (holding a 76% "Mostly Positive" rating on Steam), some players have voiced concerns about controller-only gameplay and late Steam key delivery. Despite these issues, the anticipation for an Xbox and Switch port remains high.
Potential for a Shenmue Trilogy Release
The acquisition could also pave the way for a complete Shenmue trilogy release under the ININ Games banner. ININ Games' track record of reviving classic arcade games, including their current collaboration with HAMSTER Corporation on various titles, further strengthens this possibility. While unconfirmed, the potential for a bundled release of Shenmue I, II, and III would undoubtedly delight long-time fans. Shenmue I and II are currently available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The future of the Shenmue series looks brighter than ever, thanks to ININ Games' strategic move.
