Hello All,
Been a member here a long time, come back every now and then to see if there are any recent developments. Thought I would post my thoughts here regarding Shenmue and the current landscape of gaming.
I'm currently an X1 owner, will probably eventually pick up a PS4. As an X1 owner, I've seen some great games like Forza Horizon 2, Sunset Overdrive, D4, that did not end up selling well. Most of the X1 gamers seem more inclined to purchase sports/FPS games. Nothing wrong with that, but then great games like the above mentioned go relatively unnoticed and it's sad because those are great games that deserve a lot of attention.
However, just by the sheer number of PS4 units out there, and a fanbase that seems to support exclusives to their console more than X1 owners, I see games that, according to reviewers, are mediocre yet still sell millions of copies (see Driveclub, The Order 1886, Knack).
What I am driving at here is I believe that the Iron is Hot right now for Shenmue 3 to be released as a PS4 exclusive. Obviously I would prefer a multiplatform release, but I think in the short term Shenmue 3 would do better as a PS4 exclusive. PS4 owners seem to be itching for a great exclusive to call their own and to support. Infamous let a lot of people down, as did Driveclub and the Order, Bloodborn looks to be the first really great exclusive to the console. But PS4 gamers love to support their exclusives, so while the # of those AAA exclusives is still low, I think it's the perfect time to release Shenmue 3 on the PS4.
As a multiplatform title I feel that the attention placed on Shenmue 3 would be lower than if it were a PS4 exclusive. As an X1 exclusive I don't think it would garner support either as history indicates with Horizon 2 and Sunset Overdrive, and I've noticed a lot of X1 exclusives get a lot of hate from the gaming community.
Additionally, the spike in initial sales as a PS4 exclusive would speed up the decision to make a sequel (if 3 werent the last one).
Just my thoughts, really think right now is the time to announce Shenmue 3.
C'mon SEGA, do it!