Sony Computer Entertainment announced that they’re helping in the funding and creation of Shenmue III, and Yu Suzuki shared more of his vision for the upcoming game in an interview in this week’s issue of Famitsu magazine. [Thanks, Hachima]
During the interview, Famitsu asked what prompted Yu Suzuki to begin the development of Shenmue III, now.
“I’ve been trying to find a way to make a sequel happen for a very long time. There really isn’t much more to it,” says Suzuki.
Next, they ask about their target amount of funds from Kickstarter (which, by the way, is currently over $2.9 million as of this article).
“200 million yen (around $2 million) for starters,” responds Suzuki. “That said, 200 million yen is the minimum required amount in order to make the game. If we happen to collect more funds, then we’ll add more things that we’ve been wanting to add to it.”
Famitsu then ask what kind of open world one can expect to see in Shenmue III.
“Everyone must be thinking that we’ll expand the open world more, but I’ve been deeply questioning whether or not to do that instead,” says Suzuki. “If we were to have 100 characters and split the budget among them, we’d be limited in terms of what we could do with each one; however, if we were to split that budget among just 10 characters, we could do a lot more with them.”
He continues, “For example, we could set a parameter for Ling Shen Hua, then we could have it change her attitude depending on the conversations, or the way one proceeds through quests. Of course, that doesn’t mean that it won’t be an open world game. A stretch goal on Kickstarter will determine the expansion of the city.”
Finally, Yu Suzuki shared more on ideas he has for Shenmure III’s QTE (Quick Time Event) system.
“I’d like to present a new QTE. Something elaborate, yet easily playable by just about anyone,” says Suzuki. “Instead of simply winning by pressing buttons in a timely manner, I’d like to make something that will have people win fights by making correct judgements.”
Shenmue III is in development for PC and PlayStation 4. Yu Suzuki also says that he’s been thinking of a way to add the forklift mini-game into Shenmue III.
Published: Jun 17, 2015 08:23 am