Skip to main content

New trailer released for Shenmue 3 as Kickstarter creeps closer to $5 million

Shenmue 3 - Lake of the Lantern Bugs
Throughout the Kickstarter campaign for Shenmue 3, series creator Yu Suzuki and his team have been providing frequent updates, both on the campaign’s progress and the game itself. The latest update includes a trailer of sorts in a short new scene from the game.

“Yu Suzuki has sent it with loving care and hopes it will be all that the fans of the series have come to love, and will show those new to the game some of the wonder and magic they can expect from the continually unfolding world of Shenmue,” the update reads

There really isn’t much in the way of new information in the trailer. As described in the Kickstarter update, “Ryo and Shenhua arrive at the Lake of the Lantern Bugs after their long journey. Entranced, they watch the gentle flight of the lantern bugs upon the mirage-like oasis.” Still, if you’ve already backed the game and just need more Shenmue 3 in your life, you’ll probably watch it multiple times.

This update also adds a new reward giving backers a chance to actually appear in the game. Four backers who pitch in at the $6,000 level will allow appear as NPCs staying at the Choubo inn. The “Ryo voice message by Corey Marshall” is included as well.

At the time of this writing, the campaign has two days to go, and it’s still creeping toward $5 million. This isn’t pocket change, but it’s only half of the $10 million Yu Suzuki said is needed in order for Shenmue 3 to be the game he really wants it to be.

This Kickstarter campaign isn’t the only source of funding for Shenmue 3, as Sony is providing some funding for the project. At the same time, Suzuki has made it clear that Sony isn’t getting any of the funds raised through the Kickstarter campaign.

Kickstarter campaigns tend to surge as they reach their final days, and it’s certainly possible that will happen here. If you haven’t backed the game yet or want to increase your current pledge, there is still time to head over to the game’s Kickstarter and push the funding higher.

The campaign for Shenmue 3 comes to a close this Friday, July 17.

Editors' Recommendations

Kris Wouk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
Skatebird gets a new trailer and official summer release date
A bird grinds a rail in Skatebird.

Skate 4 may not be coming any time soon, but at least we're getting Skatebird this year. The irreverent skating game, where players play as the most radical birds to ever ride a board, has finally received a release date. A new trailer for Skatebird revealed during IGN's Summer of Gaming event reveals that the game will be coming out on August 12, 2021.

SkateBIRD - Official Trailer | Summer of Gaming 2021

Read more
New Elden Ring trailer reveals an open world and a January 2022 release date
Elden Ring's hero goes toe to toe with a fiery enemy.

FromSoftware and Bandai Namco unveiled a new trailer for their newest "Souls" game, Elden Ring, today at Summer Game Fest 2021. The game will launch on January 21, 2022, on PC, plus current and last-generation consoles.

ELDEN RING - Official Gameplay Reveal

Read more
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury trailer reveals wild new game mode
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

Nintendo released a new trailer for Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, which finally reveals information on the re-release's new mode. Bowser's Fury is an entirely new adventure that features a gigantic Bowser.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a Nintendo Switch version of the 2013 Wii U game Super Mario 3D World. Nintendo previously revealed that the new edition would feature something called Bowser's Fury, but this is the first time the mode has been shown in any form.

Read more