Game Watch published a very interesting interview with Suzuki-san, the interview took place during Gamescom 2017 and includes some really insightful and interesting information about Shenmue III, here's a short summary of it:
⋅ The released Shenmue III teaser footage is real-time in-game graphics.
⋅ All charterers models are temporary and subject to change.
⋅ Facial animations were initially implemented but have been removed about a month ago.
⋅ The teaser was especially made for Gamescom 2017, no further plans to show more of the game at this year's Gamescom or Tokyo Game Show. However, a full-scale promotion will take place next year.
⋅ Deep Silver will publish the game internationally, and they'll provide budget and promotional support. A publisher for Japan is to be decided.
⋅ Suzuki-san would like to continue the series in Shenmue IV if possible.
⋅ Suzuki-san is not interested in forcing the Shenmue story to complete in Shenmue III.
⋅ Shenmue III will take around 30 hours of gameplay to complete.
⋅ The fighting engine in Shenmue III is being built from scratch, and unlike Shenmue II it won't use the Virtua engine.
⋅ A system that allows phone calls with characters from Shenmue and Shenmue II is planned for Shenmue III.
⋅ Suzuki-san would like to bring as many voice actors from the previous games as possible, but some are retired now, he will audition a new voice actress for Shenhua.
⋅ OST from Shenmue and Shenmue II will probably be reused in Shenmue III.
⋅ The new partnership with Deep Silver is strong and it's aimed to improve the Shenmue III experience beyond what was initially planned on the Kickstarter.
Finally, Suzuki-san asks the fans to continue their support, and promises to do his best to make a good game out of Shenmue III.
I have a very strong feeling that 2018 will be the year of Shenmue ...
Update:
Switch has kindly translated the original interview
Here it is, a full translation of the GAME Watch interview. Enjoy!
http://www.phantomriverstone.com/2017/08/game-watch-interview-with-yu-suzuki.html
http://i.imgur.com/sCek1CHl.jpg