ININ Games Acquires Shenmue III Publishing Rights: Xbox and Switch Ports Now Possible?
The long-awaited possibility of Shenmue III arriving on additional platforms is now a real prospect, thanks to ININ Games acquiring the publishing rights. This development has sparked excitement, particularly among Xbox and Nintendo Switch owners. Let's delve into the details.
ININ Games' Acquisition and Platform Expansion
ININ Games' acquisition of Shenmue III's publishing rights marks a significant turning point for the beloved series. Originally a PlayStation 4 exclusive (released in 2019, also available on PC), this move opens the door for potential releases on Xbox and Nintendo Switch consoles. While specifics remain undisclosed, ININ Games' history of multi-platform releases for classic titles suggests a similar approach for Shenmue III, expanding its reach to a much wider audience. The game is currently available digitally and physically on PS4 and PC.
Continuing Ryo's Journey
Following a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015, which raised over $6 million, Shenmue III launched on PS4 and PC. The game continues Ryo Hazuki and Shenhua's quest for revenge, taking them deep into enemy territory to confront Lan Di and the Chi You Men. Developed using Unreal Engine 4, the game blends classic aesthetics with modern visuals. While receiving a "Mostly Positive" rating (76%) 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.
A Shenmue Trilogy on the Horizon?
This acquisition could also pave the way for a Shenmue trilogy release under ININ Games' banner. Known for bringing retro titles to modern platforms (currently collaborating with HAMSTER Corporation on a Taito games bundle), ININ Games' expertise in this area makes a bundled release of Shenmue I, II, and III a strong possibility. Shenmue I and II are already available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. While unconfirmed, the potential for a complete Shenmue experience under one publisher is undeniably exciting for fans.
