It appears that Sega has finally recognized the existence of Shenmue 3, and even talks about supporting the game from Yu Suzuki.

The Shenmue IP is still owned by Sega, who published the first two Shenmue titles back in 1999 and 2001. Back in October, Shenmue creator Yu Suzuki talked about Sega's involvement, and whether the rights to the IP were transferred to him. "It’s difficult to explain. I am the one who created Shenmue, so Sega allows me to take decisions for the game. They trust me because I know more about the workings of the game more than anyone else”, said Suzuki during an interview with Dualshockers.

Sega has been quiet about their IP for a long time, but in an interview with Marketingweek last month, Sega Europe's head of marketing Jon Rooke, said that the company is "exploring ways" to re-release the first two Shenmue games.

“Yes, we want to innovate and back smartphones and virtual reality, but our key purpose is to go back to what the brand used to stand for and I think the buzz around Shenmue 3 shows that people love our legacy,” “Sega was an innovator, the Dreamcast was offering online gaming as early as 1998. But perhaps back then we were pushing boundaries a little too soon. Nowadays we know what we’re good at and the strategy is to be more gradual. Over the next few years, we want to use engaging content and marketing to remind the public why they fell in love with Sega in the first place.”

Important IP for Sega

In a recent interview with Gamebusiness.jp, Sega's former president Hideki Okamura, again mentioned Shenmue. According Okamura, Shenmue is an important IP too many, not just to Sega. Thanks to Shenmue Dojo for the translations.

It Appears SCE is backing up the development of Shenmue 3. Shenmue is a Sega IP, are there any plans to support this effort? Shenmue is of course an important IP, not only to Sega, but also to the many games it has influenced. It was the first of its kind in the go anywhere, do anything open world style games. On top of that Mr. Suzuki had a very strong desire to make Shenmue 3.

Okamura adds that the company interacting with Suzuki at the very moment, and they will continue supporting him concerning Shenmue 3.

"Of course Sega is interacting with Mr. Suzuki even now. We will continue supporting him concerning Shenmue 3 as well"

Okamura added: "Craftsmanship is something that should be done by those who really want to create, and this has Yu Suzuki as the main developer."

It looks like Sega has truly recognized the Shenmue IP once again, and even seems to support the game. Let's hope that the publisher indeed finds a way to re-release the original two Shenmue titles.