During the E3 2019 PC Gaming Show, Shenmue creator Yu Suzuki unveiled a new trailer for the upcoming Shenmue 3. The trailer focuses on the game’s fighting mechanics, showing that protagonist Ryo Hazuki’s martial arts skills are as sharp as ever. However, the trailer also made a surprising revelation regarding the game’s PC version. At launch, Shenmue 3 will be an Epic Store exclusive, and many fans aren’t happy about the sudden change.
Shenmue 3 PC Version Epic Store Exclusive
Back when Shenmue 3 was first announced, developer Ys Net said the PC version would be offered through Steam. Fans who backed the game’s Kickstarter did so under the impression that they’d receive a Steam code upon launch. Now, it looks like those same backers will be getting an Epic Store code instead. According to an FAQ page on Shenmue 3’s website, the game is still technically coming to Steam at some point. At launch, though, the PC version will only be available on the Epic Store.
Fans were quick to voice their displeasure over on the Shenmue 3 Kickstarter page. Many rightly argued that Ys Net should have let them know about the switch to the Epic Store sooner. Some even requested refunds, refunds which Ys Net denied. Granted, it sounds like it was publisher Deep Silver’s decision to switch to the Epic Store, not Ys Net’s. That’s a cold comfort to fans, though, who were hoping to integrate Shenmue 3 with their Steam functionality.
One might argue why the switch to the Epic Store is such a big deal, and overall it isn’t. However, some dedicated PC gamers enjoy the added functionality Steam brings like achievements and forum discussions. Currently, the Epic Store offers no such functionality and doesn’t seem to be getting it anytime soon.
On a happier note, the new Shenmue 3 trailer itself actually looks pretty good. Both free-battle and QTE combat look fluid and polished, and the rendered cinematics look great as well. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Shenmue game without stilted dialogue and wannabe tough-guy thugs to put down.
Shenmue 3 will launch for PlayStation 4 and PC on November 19. If you’re still planning on playing the game on PC, be sure to consult its official PC system requirements.