Shenmue 3 has been delayed

Shenmue 3, the long-awaited sequel to Shenmue 2, has been delayed until Tuesday 19th November.

That represents a delay of just under three months, as the game was originally slated to release on Tuesday 27th August. In a blog post announcing the delay, series creator Yu Suzuki and Publisher Deep Silver explained that the delay was to allow them to properly refine the title:

“Hello Everyone,    

Today, Yu Suzuki & Deep Silver would like to give a message concerning the release date. Shenmue III will now release on 19th November 2019. Whilst almost ready, the game simply needs a little more refinement before being truly finished. We feel that the extra time we have will help us deliver the true Shenmue experience players around the world deserve! We thank you for your patience and understanding,    

Yu Suzuki & Deep Silver”

While a delay to an eagerly anticipated title is always frustrating for players, we here at BuffNerfRepeat will always maintain that we would rather the game be delayed but release up to standard, rather than being rushed out in a sub par state. After all, this is a sequel that players have been waiting almost 18 years for and is part of a critically acclaimed series, so it’s vitally important that the game is up to scratch.

The release of Shenmue 3 is possible thanks to a Kickstarter campaign that went on to become the most-backed video game Kickstarter campaign of all time, raising more than $6.3 million, which absolutely smashed the campaigns target of $2 million. Let’s hope that the money has been spent wisely.

Shenmue 3 will release on Tuesday 19th November for PS4 and PC.