Skip to main content

Shenmue 3 backers getting on-disc option for PlayStation 4 version

shenmue 3 slacker backer campaign ryo header
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Digital releases of games might be getting more popular, but there are always going to be people who prefer having something they can actually put their hands on, especially when the game in question is something that fans have been waiting on for years.

Until now, there have been three options for how Shenmue 3 backers at the $60 level would receive their copy of the game once it is finished: a physical disc for the PC version of the game, or digital copies for either the PC or PlayStation 4 versions.

On Friday, another option was announced to backers in an update on the game’s Kickstarter page. The PlayStation 4 Physical Copy Reward is now available to backers at the $60 level, alongside the previous three options.

Once the Kickstarter campaign for Shenmue 3 is completed, a survey will be sent to backers, letting them choose how they would like to receive their copy of the game. “Backers who have pledged for a PC Physical Copy will not need to adjust their rewards if they would prefer a PS4 physical copy instead,” the update reads.

Currently, the Shenmue 3 campaign is supported by over 50,000 backers who have pledged more than $4.3 million so far. There are still 11 days left to back the campaign, which will wrap up on July 17.

While the amount the game has raised so far is nothing to sneeze at, it hasn’t reached the $10 million mark that Shenmue creator Yu Suzuki has said is necessary to fulfill his full vision for the game, including A “much larger, completely open world.” The campaign is nearing the $5 million mark, at which point a “completely new gameplay feature” will be added.

No matter how much funding the project secures, it’s beginning to look like Shenmue 3 will be a return to form. Last week we reported that Corey Marshall, who voiced the main character Ryo Hazuki in the North American and European versions of the original games, has signed on to lend his voice to Shenmue 3.

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…
PC compatibility for the PlayStation VR2 is being tested by Sony
Playstation VR2 headset on a PlayStation-themed wallpaper.

To celebrate the first anniversary of the PlayStation VR2, Sony revealed a new batch of games coming to its virtual reality headset and confirmed that it's testing a feature that would let people play PC VR games on their PSVR2.

"We’re pleased to share that we are currently testing the ability for PS VR2 players to access additional games on PC to offer even more game variety in addition to the PSVR2 titles available through PS5," the PlayStation Blog post about PSVR2's first anniversary teases. "We hope to make this support available in 2024, so stay tuned for more updates."

Read more
One year later, my PlayStation VR2 is collecting dust
The PlayStation VR2 sits on a table next to Sense controllers.

One year ago, I took my first step into virtual reality with the PlayStation VR2. One year later, I haven't walked much further.

I spent a long time watching the VR sect of the gaming medium from the sidelines, curious about this new form of interaction, but never taking the full plunge. Impressed with the PSVR2’s specs and confident in Sony’s first-party capabilities, I bought it at launch in February 2022. After a week of use, I wrote that I “anticipate it’ll be a very supplemental gaming style for me in the future, not something I’ll want to do for hours every day.”

Read more
I made my own special-edition, Mario-themed PlayStation 5
A red and blue PS5 stands on a table with matching controllers.

While we can argue all day about which console is best, there's one PlayStation 5 feature that no other system can claim: customization. On the original PS5, players could easily snap off the system's faceplates and replace them with new ones. Sony would naturally keep that feature for its slimmer PS5 model, creating an entirely new line of console covers, starting with its Deep Earth Collection.

I didn't think much of that initially, considering that it was an expected feature. That is, until I turned my PS5 into my own custom, "special edition" Mario-themed console.

Read more