Shenmue 3 is a crowd-funded game that was supposed to release on Steam but will now only be available on the Epic Games Store. You can imagine why people were upset about this abrupt change in platform. Epic Games is going to refund backers that are not interested in playing the game in the Epic Game Store but now it seems that backers will not get the Shenmue 3 Season Pass either.
It is worth mentioning that backers were not promised the season pass or any kind extra content but no matter how much the backer has paid, he or she still does not get the season pass or the extra content. Some backers did pay more than the retail price of the game and supported Shenmue 3 way before anything on the retail end was even planned so I would understand if some backers are upset.
All things considered, Ys Net cannot really be blamed here as it did not promise backers the Shenmue 3 Season Pass. Ys Net released an official statement regarding the matter and here is what the company had to say:
Standard and deluxe versions released through retail sales are not affiliated with the crowdfunding campaign, so will not be included with backer pledges, however, they will be available for sale separately. Kickstarter Backers will receive the Kickstarter version, Slacker Backers will receive the Slacker Backer version. Both have unique content respective to their versions not available in the retail versions. A season pass is not included.
If you are interested in getting the season pass of Shenmue 3 then you will have to pre-orders/deluxe edition separately even if you are a backer of the game. The backers will not get the Blazing Kick” Advanced Technique Scroll, Kenpogi Training outfit, and Peking Power Starter Pack.
Moving the game from Steam to Epic Games Store was a major change. Some people might not be interested in the season pass but it will be interesting to see what backers of the game have to say regarding this issue.
If Epic Games or Deep Silver are interested in making Shenmue 4 then they might want to make a lot of money on the current game. Keeping in mind all that has happened I do not think backers are going to pay for the next game. If you are interested in playing the game on PC then be sure to check out the system requirements.
Let us know what you think about Shenmue 3 backers not getting the season pass and whether or not you think this is fair provided that Ys Net never promised one to start with.
