Imagine if you were a Sega employee, or an insider in the industry that knows things that are kept in the public. What if you knew that Sega planned on making the infamous sequel that's going to make a shock in the gaming industry. I can only imagine if I knew something like that, It'd be hard as hell for me to keep my mouth shut.
-We have the Sega representative(name escapes me) who was very excited to acknowledge that fans want some more Shenmue and Skies of Arcadia
-Yu Suzuki "I think Sega will let me make the game" (sitting right next to the lead architect of the PS4
-Adam Boyes mentioning that Shenmue is one of the most requested games to bring to PS4. Sony openly hinting that they already have/or will be discussing with Sega about the game.
-Sega mentioning that they are open to revisiting the series if one of the big three is willing to fund it
-Direct trolling from Sega in the new Sonic Racing game
For me it's not even a question of IF Sega will bring Shenmue III back. It's a matter of HOW they plan on doing it. Yu Suzuki's statement to me is the most tangible piece of evidence that it's coming. Or at least there has been some SERIOUS talks within Sega about bringing it back.
Sega is absolutely aware that one of their IP'S is the Pandora's Box of gaming. Shenmue(part1) is literally one of the very last AAA games that is STILL exclusive to one console. That alone made it's value skyrocket. Sega knows it's reputation is on the line when it comes to this one singular game, so they're treating it as delicate as possible.
You're not going to wake up one day and check IGN and BAM!!! SHENMUE III IS ANNOUNCED!!!! out of the clear blue sky. This is going to take tactful planning on Sega's part and they absolutely know it. Which by coincidence we have the Shenmue discussion coming at GDC later this first quarter. If nothing is announced, this will be looked at as an extreme disappointment for everyone involved.
Let's be patient and see what happens after GDC. Until then, keep fighting the good fight!!