ININ Games Acquires Shenmue III Publishing Rights: Xbox and Switch Ports Possible?

The long-awaited possibility of Shenmue III arriving on additional platforms is now a tangible prospect, thanks to ININ Games securing the game's publishing rights. This development has significant implications for fans and the future of the Shenmue franchise.

Expanding Shenmue III's Reach

ININ Games' acquisition of the publishing rights for Shenmue III, originally a PlayStation 4 exclusive released in 2019, opens doors for potential releases on Xbox and Nintendo Switch consoles. Currently available on PS4 and PC (digitally and physically), ININ Games' history of multi-platform releases for classic titles suggests a similar approach for Shenmue III, significantly broadening its audience.

A Continued Journey for Ryo and Shenhua

Following a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015, Shenmue III launched on PS4 and PC. The game continues Ryo Hazuki and Shenhua's quest for vengeance, delving into enemy territory to confront the Chi You Men cartel and Lan Di. Developed using Unreal Engine 4, it blends classic aesthetics with modern visuals. While enjoying a "Mostly Positive" rating on Steam (76%), some user feedback points to controller-only gameplay and delayed Steam key delivery. Despite these criticisms, the demand for Xbox and Switch ports remains high.

A Shenmue Trilogy on the Horizon?

ININ Games' expertise in reviving classic titles could extend beyond Shenmue III. With Shenmue I and II already available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One, the possibility of a complete Shenmue trilogy under ININ Games' banner becomes increasingly likely. This is further supported by their current collaboration with HAMSTER Corporation on physical and digital releases of Taito games from the 80s and 90s. While unconfirmed, the acquisition of Shenmue III's publishing rights significantly increases the chances of this happening.