Now Sony's admitted to partnering Shenmue 3, that Kickstarter is a big problem

GamesRadar says, "There's little doubt that Sony is helping to pay for Shenmue 3. If a decent chunk of the company's own money wasn't on the line, why would it desire that fan commitment? So working on the basis that Sony is paying, why was it deemed acceptable to run the Kickstarter as it was run, and only reveal this partnership after public money had been accrued via some very large personal donations?"

[TheGreatGamer]

Still can't shake how shady this 'kickstarter' has been. In my view, kickstarter is a platform for smaller devs who haven't got deals with big companies and actually need help from the public. You want to gauge people's interest Sony? Do a survey

[ShinMaster]

The thing about surveys is that talk is cheap. The Kickstarter funding spoke volumes for its demand.

Also, the original Shenmue cost over $50 million. It might be cheaper today, but $2 or $3 million wouldn't have been enough.

Also, a lot of what Sony will be covering is marketing which costs a lot more than that.

[Mr Pumblechook]

It's not shady. Sony and investors needed to gauge demand for a new Shenmue. If the target was hit they would invest. It also helped generate excitement at the conference. Does the idiot from Gamesradar honestly believe a new open world game would only cost $2 million?!

If anyone is unhappy they can cancel their Kickstarter pledge, although the funding is actually getting higher. But this is muckraking gutter journalism. Trying to turn such a great positive, bringing back a beloved franchise, into a negative just for the sake of some cheap hits. Sadly there is mileage to be made from being negative and dumping on game makers.

Check the delighted reaction videos to see if the fans are happy about this. I'm guessing the amateur who wrote this cheap spiel prefers playing on something else... But whatever console you prefer a game is coming back that some gamers have been begging for, for years and it is because of this Sony YS partnership. This is a great thing!

[blackblades]

Pretty much what you said talk is cheap, kickstarter is prof that people actually do want it.

[freshslicepizza]

so tell me, what if they want to make the game for nintendo's new system or the xbox one, will sony still partner itself still? it looks to me like sony is abusing what kickstarter is suppose to be and should stay out of it now that it has reached it's goals.

[Eonjay]

Because Sony is not paying for development. I don't see why this is so difficult to understand. There involvement was a PR stunt.

I feel like at this point Yu could come out and make a point blank statement in front of the world (he already did on Famitsu) and people still wouldn't get it.

The Earth is not flat, and Sony is NOT funding the development of this game.

[Jaw1love]

That's such a nonsense defense though. "Ohh we need to see if people actually will buy this game, so we are asking that you donate 2 million dollars to fund something that may or may not come out before the end of this console generation."
It's a much greater risk for Sony or anyone to pour millions of dollars into a new IP, but I don't remember seeing any kickstarter campaigns to gauge the interest of The Order or Bloodborne or Horizon. So let's stop saying that Sony was just conducting market research, seeing if there was a demand. Sony is a giant multinational corporation - they can gauge peoples interest without asking the consumer to fork over 2 mil for something that isn't even guaranteed to be made.

[Nirvana31591]

I secured my copy for $29. I'm not complaining at all. Besides Sony and Suzuki has explained several times why they went to Kickstarter but people don't want to read up facts instead they'd rather talk about how "shady" this is. Smh

Go to YT and search "Shenmue dojo". They uploaded several videos explaining exactly this

[Charybdis]

@ Mr Pumblechook
Well they could have just launched the kickstarter by themselves. Now we have a kickstarter which seemingly has been used as a marketing ploy.
With the game also being funded by a big game publisher it might get murky with how much say the fans of this project will have,choices including: the platforms which the game might be available at,when and in what kinda state the game will release etc.
*edit. They should have at least mentioned something on the lines that despite having a partnership they want or need more money from their fans, because of partial funding or whatever the deal is
https://www.kickstarter.com...

[Griever]

Man, these journalist make a controversy out of anything. I bet that most of the people who are crying that they were deceived and the game did not needed a kickstarter did not donate a single dollar. The guys who actually contributed are more than happy. I do not see those two guys who contributed $10,000 crying about it anywhere on social media. Everyone is just happy that they are getting the game after all these years.

It is the people's money; let them do they what they want. Suzuki-san said that he wanted people's help to save the game and it was the truth. He needed to prove there was interest in the game. If nobody contributed or just a few did, do you think the game would have gone forward?? I wonder how much the author contributed who is so angry about the alleged "deception." This is just concern-trolling at its best.

[XabiDaChosenOne]

@jaw1love
Its simple really, Horizon and Bloodborne are Sony owned IPs, Shenmue is not.

-Common sense

[CYCLEGAMER]

For all of you guys that say Sony is just "gauging interest".... Ok you see that there is 3 million dollars worth of interest from fans and the game is CLEARLY worth the investment...so.give those who invested their money back, since you have tested the market for interest and see that there is plenty of it!!!

[johndoe11211]

@Jaw1love

"but I don't remember seeing any kickstarter campaigns to gauge the interest of The Order or Bloodborne or Horizon"

That has to be one of the most ridiculous statements I have ever seen on N4G.

[Cueil]

it'll likely pass double digit millions... I see no reason why they need Sony at all... they are only funding the PS4 version

[Jaw1love]

@johndoe11211

uhh why? If people are saying that the Kickstarter was simply a way of gauging interest in the game before Sony put their money into it, then surely it would make more sense for Sony to run a kickstarter (or expensive way of gauging fans interest) for their unknown and untested IPs, and not a cult classic like Shenmue

[23Hanlon]

If anyone thinks what Sony did with Senmue is fine you need a class in Buisness. Sony is profiting off of you funding this and if you dont see how your blind.

[Death]

Unless you only contributed $5, you are essentially pre-ordering the game. I see no problem with this even if Sony decides to invest into development. This is being blown way out of proportion.

[Docknoss]

Hahaha!

[Cupid_Viper_3]

@ 23Hanlon

I'm pretty skeptical about the community's ability to adhere to facts, but here is a youtube video (4 minutes long) with Adam Boyes explaining the backdrop to shemnue 3's kickstarter thing. https://www.youtube.com/wat...

For those of you who wont bother watching, he basically explains that it would have taken quite of bit of time to try and convince Sony execs and others to greenlight the project and put up the development money(he mentions 9 months to a year). Or there is the kickstarter route that allows the development side of the project to begin as soon as "we the gamers" assume the risk and invest in the game.

As stated on the kickstarter page itself, pay $30.00 and you're guaranteed a digital copy of the game. That very much sounds like a preorder to me.

Shenmue has always been a niche title, meaning that a return on investment may never happen. There's also a whole lot of you guys who gets on here every three months (quarterly earnings report) to remind people that Sony as whole is not doing too well financially. So it's a little baffling that so many of you don't seem understand how this is a win-win situation for Sony.

They leave the funding of the development up to the gamers themselves. Meaning "we" decide if we want a 2 million dollar Shenmue, or $10 million dollar open-world Shenmue. And whatever we decide, Sony will back the marketing for whatever we decide, which is safer for them.

As you can see, Sony doesn't mind fully backing Final Fantasy 7 as it is a 10 million plus selling game. http://vgsales.wikia.com/wi... You can compare that to Shenmue's numbers that are rumored to be a little bit above a million units.

[MyDietEqualsGames]

The game is going to be made and Sony is backing it. What more do people want? It's pathetic. It also seems to me that the majority of the people bitching about it are people who didn't even invest, won't play it or sore that it's not multi, or all of the above.

I backed it twice for 2 digital copies. I feel things will work themselves out, as they usually do when a game is being made.

Once this kickstarter ends, your money is theirs. So if you have second thoughts, get your refunds. The game is happening with or without you. (minority)

[Gority]

@eonjay

Sony is paying to port the PC version to the PS4. So you are correct in saying they aren't paying for development. They are also paying for marketing as well. Just to clarify things.

[UltraNova]

Well I guess MS funding Titanfall's development behind closed executive doors with no gamer community involved what so ever wasn't shady at all? It wasnt shady at all when some accepted that excuse "forgetting" to ask this simple question: Ehmm why wont EA back the game they will publish?

And by the way if people who gave serious money (above $30) to help Shemnue's kickstarter will eventually get a free copy of the game what's the problem if the game is backed by a major publisher which effectively guarantees a better game? A niche, low volume game at that!

[UnHoly_One]

Keep in mind, Sony or not, Kickstarter can't guarantee that you even get anything that you pledge for.

I've backed 4 projects on kickstarter. Two of them I received (late), the other two are years behind schedule and no longer giving regular updates. I'm out about 850 bucks.

I would think it would be safe to assume that sort of thing wouldn't happen in this case, but I'm just saying there are no guarantees, and I'll never give another dime to kickstarter.

[DemonChicken]

this article is so much lol i don't know where to start.

As people mentioned about gauging interest - I agree. Did you guys consider how risky developing a game is nowadays? Taking into consideration the prior 2 shenmue's high development costs and sales not up to expectations. Plus this is the third game - many people have not played Shenmue 1 and 2 so may not interested in 3. Adding to the fact these 2 games are pretty much inaccessible (unless [insert reasons here - roms, eBay, etc]), is there a guaranteethat this game game will do well based on the current fanbase? So yeah pretty risky if you look at the historical data which is all we have.

To add it's not like the people donating isn't getting anything back. Is a $29 digital game not worth it considering crazy digital prices?

Do not know why the doom and gloom articles (same with FF7 Remake), we should be glad these kinds of things are happening and the gamers are being listened too (Hello Sega /s) so why are people trying to downplay and bitch at every opportunity available. Move on and post more worthy news articles not this crap. A+ for $h!tty journalism.

[Dee_91]

If its really just to gage public interest, then all that money should be refunded now that they see theres a huge interest in the game.No matter how you twist it, fans shouldn't fund a game in development that's partnered with a multi-billion dollar corporation.The only funding by fans should come when the game is released.
I had no idea they were also getting funded by Sony.I thought the partnership was Sony paying for console exclusivity and marketing.

[Lucreto]

If they do a survey anyone can contribute to it. I could suggest it should be a cover based Third Person Shooter.

This way fans are more than likely back it and are financially invested in keeping it true to what they want.

[princejb134]

maybe they doing it because they have no faith that shenmue 3 will sell well
that way say they built it their losses won't be huge
but they have to understand that the first 2 shenmue were on dreamcast not the playstation
playstation gamers have a lot more loyal fans than dreamcast did back in the day

[Petebloodyonion]

Huh!
You're talking about Yu Suzuki, the Sega's Miyamoto
If Shenmue is such a cult it's because of the core Sega fans who followed him and played the game.

Cause I don't remember back in the Ps2 fans praising this game when it came out...
Actually I remember them making fun of the lift race and the QTE.

[Godz Kastro]

I still can't believe Sony had the audacity to bring someone up on stage and ask for kick starter.really embarrassing imo for both sides.more so for Sony. Really weird

[Serg]

*facepalm*

Ok enough with the ignorant circlejerk.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

Read this and eat this uninformed drivel you wrote yourself.

Sony is giving them all the help they are willing to accept.

[Crimzon]

I don't think it was embarrassing at all, but now that we know that Sony basically used E3 as a platform to ask fans to fund a game they were already funding? It certainly leaves a bad taste, that's for sure.

Considering the lack of games this year, locking multiplayer gaming behind the PS+ paywall, and ditching backwards compatibility in favor of charging insane prices for people to play the games they already own? I'm starting to lose a lot of respect for Sony as a company, they're going the way of Microsoft.

Either way you slice it, that "For the players" marketing logo has been complete BS. They're turning into a really slimy and exploitative company.

[Bathyj]

You know it was Suzuki who insisted on doing it through Kickstarter right? He shopped the game around until he found a publisher he could work with. This was the publisher and this was the way he was willing to do it.

What I cant believe is that the game has finally been announced after so many years of pleading, and us gamers, terrible people that we are, still need to find negative aspects to focus on. Actually I said that wrong. I can totally believe it.

@Crimzon

Sony used Kicksters to gauge demand not fund a game. Kicker starter isnt funding anything. The original Shenmue cost $50 to make. In the 90's. The couple million theyre getting from Kickstarter is probably barely going to pay Suzuki's personal fee.

Lack of games? I still have plenty to play. Yes Uncharted is disappointing and left a big hole. That cant be helped. Uncharted Collection helps because Ive been waiting for exactly that to play it again. I had games to play in the first half of the year too, not just the last. This drum you guys are beating is getting tiresome. You havent had a AAA release since last November and that was a broken remaster. When the next one comes out it will be near a year between drinks and then all your games come at once, so unless Xbone players are going to buy 4 or 5 games at Christmas they will likely cannibalize each others sales. Not that sales bother me. I just want games all year round.

The paywall? Youre going to go there? Sony are scum for following Microsofts lead? Are they supposed to just sit back for another generation financially hurting and watching their competitor get rich and grow strong off a strategy thats working (for some stupid reason)? If you want to assign blame, blame MS for making it normal. Blame X360 gamers for putting up with it.

They never had backwards compatibility so you cant ditch something you never had i ever intended to have. If youre half intelligent you know the reason why. Remember? Cell? Its exotic, weird and difficult? Never mind.

Finally, I doubt you ever had respect for Sony cos you never show it. You certainly never had a lot of it so you couldnt have lost a lot of it.

God, how can one person get so much wrong in one paragraph?

[Godz Kastro]

@serg

Yeah, all the help except for financial backing :/

[Morpheuzpr]

@Bathyj

That's because xbone fanboys are willing to ride any sony hate bus even if there's a dildo waiting for them on the seat. Anyone with two brain cells to rub each other knew exactly what was happening when they announced the kickstarter for the game.

All this outrage culture bs is nothing but them enjoying their dildo equipped seats.

[Cupid_Viper_3]

@ God Castro and Crimson.

I have a few questions for you guys. At E3 this year Phil Spencer famously said that MS won't charge players for games they already own. Yet at that same conference they announced Gears of War Remastered, and some 6-8 months ago they released Halo MCC to rave reviews. Could you guys give me thoughts on that?

Secondly, my wife and I spent a few hours digging into the whole shenmue 3 kickstarter thing, and it seems that if you donated $30 or more, you are guaranteed a digital copy of the game. Can you please explain to me why that is a slimmy and exploitative move by the company.

And lastly, Sony has included backward compatibility from launch in all of the successor console up until the PS4. It appears that they would have more factual data as to how many people use the feature vs how much it cost to have it. They tested that out with the PS3 at great cost to them, and it sales data suggest that people would rather have a cheaper console than a more expensive one with BC. So given this fact, they released the cheaper yet more powerful console than MS.

The PS4's architecture is vastly different than that of PS3's cell-based architecture. We also know that Sony had a lot of game developers' input go into the design if the PS4. Was Sony supposed to ignore the feedbacks of the many game developers when making the PS4, so that people could play stop playing PS3 games on their PS3s and play them on the PS4 instead?

[Sitdown]

@cupid_viper_3

Man, you are trying too hard. Nobody owns the Gears of War remastered.... It's REMASTERED. Same thing with the Master Chief Collection. You might have a semi-point with the Rare collection, but everyone knows he was talking about Xbox 360 games, and clearly this include more than Xbox 360 games, and if you own those titles, you don't have to pay for them. I failed to read the rest of your post, because your first paragraph alone was sad enough.

Okay, went back and did finish reading your post. For the most part I agree with your other sentiments... Especially your second paragraph, when though I would prefer a physical copy. Not to mention, what some might consider valuable perks like getting your name in the credits.

[kenshiro100]

...What?

[starman]

Yeah it was joke, sony is on top and still being cheap as can be.

[Double_O_Revan]

I thought this was known from the start. I felt it was pretty obvious the moment they announced it during Sony's conference. Does every one think Sony just decided to give free advertising to the campaign?

Did anyone think they were going to make the game off the $2 million they were asking for? SOMEONE was backing the rest of the bill.

Bloodstained just did the exact same thing, yet I don't see an article about how 'shady' that one was.

These game makers want to make games, they hunt around for funding, find someone interested, but the investors want some assurances on demand. So they drop it on Kickstarter to gauge demand and collect a percentage of the bill.

[TwoForce]

I argee that. Everyone have their choice to make, but it can bring risky and very questionable decisions.

[SweatyFlorida]

Exactly. Pretty much the only difference between bloodstained and this, is that Sony showed Shenmue on their stage. That's all.

If people really want to be anal about the whole deal, just think of it as Shenmue being a PS4 exclusive, and the kickstarter is to get a PC port, as well as cheaper price for the game on both systems. I'd bet is Sony did something similar with bloodborne, that they will port it over to PC if they see demand, people will fund it. Petitions or surveys don't do shit, money talks.

[Hoffmann]

Surveys are not really indicative.

[joab777]

Actually, I think Kickstart ed should be for anyone as long as those who donate get what they are promised.

What if Kojima wants to make his next game w/ it? We all know how expensive he can get. MANY Kickstarters have backers who want to simply see how much money can be raised (ie. Support) b4 they kick in the other 3/4 of the budget. So, Kojima offers you a part in the game for 50k. You spend it and you get it. And others do to. Then, after awhile, he gets the game to a previous alpha state and MS jumps in and says, "We got ya buddy, we like and want this game." I don't see a problem w/ this as long as EVERYONE who donated got exactly what was promised them.

It may actually allow many great minds to set off on their own, and yet still attempt to make bigger budget games. And best of all, instead of being conceived in a publishers office, it's conceived by the artists, and either rejected Ted or accepted well into development.

Also, Sony could have just funded the whole thing. Maybe they wanted to see how much support their really was. If this is true, and I really hope it is, imagine what we could see in the future if we are loud enough.

[showtimefolks]

Kickstarter for this game was to gauge the interst. Whether we think it's shady or not.

So I am glad Sony Atleast gave this game some time during their press conference, so now they will be finding it too. That's how it will remain a console exclusive(still come to pc)

Look at it this way so many of us wanted this game, both Nintendo and Ms had an opportunity to help make she me 3 but bottom line is soNY stepped up.

At e3 we got

The last guardian to start the show
Ff7
and shenmue 3
horizon

IMO that's an amazing e3 conference.

[DarXyde]

Kickstarters are more efficient because you're literally PLEDGING funding.

Additionally, surveys are biased towards people willing to take surveys and it doesn't say much about people actually willing to get the game made. It could be a matter of "oh, well, more games are never bad. Sure, I'll say they should make it".

It's like telling someone they should throw a party and not bothering to show up.

[stuna1]

I actually think Kickstarter was a great ideal! Polls can be inaccurate for starter, what do you think gaming sites that allows gamer reviews!? They in actuality just polling sites, where anyone and their momma could write a review and it affected the games reception.

Kickstarter is a pretty solid way of gauging a games viability in the market by who are willing to invest into its initial production goals monetary wise. To think about it it's possible to jumpstart a lot of titles that thus have been hanging in limbo.

Most if not all kickstarter projects mention the supporter in the credits, but as an added bonus they could allow successful kickstarter projects supporters a reduced puchasing price. Kickstarter's can fully or partially fund game developing for certain projects dependent on the viability of what's being funded as well as take the excess monetary load off of struggling developers.

[IIFloodyII]

Sony aren't funding development, Yu Suzuki has said most of the money will come from Kickstarter. What Sony will be doing is advertising it when it's done.

[IIFloodyII]

http://i.imgur.com/KHQddeT....
What the sensationalist media and Xbox fanboys don't want you to know. Multiple sources from Sony and the development team debunking the false story that Sony are funding development.

Awaits the disagrees from said people, without any of them being able to counter what I said.

[rainslacker]

@Flood

So what you're saying is that the shameful acts of the "journalist" and current forum goers who want to react without getting the facts could actually be harful to the game since some people will end up believing this is being fully funded by Sony.

In other words, it's irresponsible journalism. Forum goers, fair enough, fan boys exists, but from a website which is supposed to be supporting the industry, and representing the gamers, but does neither in the name of their own self interest of nothing more than a few advertising dollars from hits. Great job mainstream gaming media.

[GameForever]

I don't see what is shady about the Kickstarter for this game. My guess is that Kickstarter money is for the PC port and that Sony is funding the majority of the PS4 development. Sony doesn't want to fund the PC build, Sony doesn't want to fund a game entirely unless they own the IP. Sony is not the only partner in this. Also Sony did do a survey on what older franchise people would like to see brought back. Shenmue was either number one or high on the list. The Kickstarter is fully funded in fact it was funded (2 Million) in less than 24 hours and nearing 4 million today, in fact they broke kickstarter records. That shows a great deal of demand.

From what I gather from interviews they were working on setting up a kickstarter for this game for a couple years and it was probably just for PC. By partnering with Sony and them announcing it at E3 helped to get the game funded much quicker.

I saw a couple interviews with Corsi and he never said anything about kickstarter being used to measure interest in the game. they already new their was High interest int he game.

[Morgue]

I'm just stoked this happening regardless.

[trywizardo]

I just have a question , why does everybody says they need to reach 10 to reach 60m
and how does a AAA game only requires 10m to be fully funded and open world

[rainslacker]

It requires more. From the sounds of it, Ys Net has secured a set amount of fudning from sources besides Sony. Sony is helping to pay for marketing for the game, and in some way are supporting the development of the PS4 version.

So, lets say at the present time, they have 30 million in private backer support, 20 million from Sony(not including marketing), and 3 million in KS backers. That's 53 million dollars. So to get to 60 million they need another 7 million from KS.

To go full AAA(with open world) would require 10 million from KS, and at 5 million Sukuki would be able to implement something he really wants to do(but doesn't state what it is). Basically the backers approved what can be done up to say 50 million, the KS at this point beyond showing interest, is to get other features added, and possibly to incentivize other backers.

[aquaticDonut]

Then I've got bad news for you, bro. Because that's not how it works. Most Kickstarter games are partnered with larger investor corporations. Kickstarter in general is more for devs who need a little extra that their partner won't fork over or for gauging interest. It's actually quite bizzare for a game, like Star Citizen, for instance, to be completely publicly funded.

[Bobertt]

It is to see how many people are actually willing to buy the game. I believe Shenmue 2 budget was 70 million and was one of the most expensive games back then so im guessing that put off publishers cause sales might not make up enough profit. Now its been 14 years and while all of the fans from before have requested it I can only imagine that its budget will be even higher now from inflation. It could cost as much as AAA games now. It will need new fans too to make a profit. I think its fine if Sony is going to fund the rest of the game if enough people want it on kickstarter. The most I believe anything has gotten on kickstarter is $15 million and there is no way that would be enough to make it with all the features if it needs 10 million to be true open world game. Also the developer wanted to make 4 or 5 games if fans like number 3 and then they will need publisher. Plus if they didn't have a kickstarter you wouldn't be able to get digital edition for $30, all the collectables or get the Ryo's Jacket. Also there is no rule that kickstarter is only for indie developers, it's for who ever needs the money. If a guy could get $55,000 to make potato salad on kickstarter anyone can put what they want.

[wsoutlaw87]

I don't think this is a big deal at all. They explained them selves. Whos the idiots that think a game costs $2m to make? Kingdom Come Deliverance has the same funding structure, and i backed. Kickstarter isn't donating your money to them, it's basically paying money for the rewards. For 30$ you get the game. Its preordering except giving the money directly to the devs instead of gamestop. If they weren't clear about where the dev money is coming from then it would be unfair, but they weren't. All the info is obtainable from their ks page so for those of you who seem confused, check it out.

[Zeref]

Don't forget that the game is coming to PC as well. Sony probably just bought timed console exclusivity.

[rainslacker]

I think when you're putting up 30-50 million dollars of your own money, plus likely more for marketing, you can decide what criteria you want to set up to commit that sum.

It's not like the KS backers aren't getting anything for their money. They get a copy of the game, and some goodies depending on the tier. They aren't losing out on anything, and it seems no one that donated minds that there is enough funding behind this game to give it the AAA treatment. Heck, Sony is still taking a risk, as even if 50K people commit to the game, it doesn't mean they'll make back their money for AAA development, but it does ease the risk analysis.

Also, forum goers are extremely vocal, and despite there being a lot of people who say they want the game, it doesn't mean that the game is mainstream, or that it would see better success than it originally did, which isn't much commercially.

[SegaGamer]

It's such a shame so many people have to ruin what is a positive thing.

Us Shenmue fans have wanted this for so long, it's now going to happen, but once again parts of the gaming community keep up their pessimistic behaviour.

[thekhurg]

Apparently you're new to kickstarter.

A lot of games have publishing support on kickstarter, but there is a requirement that the game make "X" amount of dollars on kickstarter for the developer to get that publisher's money.

This is nothing new in the industry at all. For instance:

Kingdom Come: Deliverance was in the same situation. Once they reached their milestones in kickstarter, their publisher wrote the check for the rest.

[Picnic]

Surveys mean relatively little. And no matter how much someone intends to play Shenmue 3 it doesn't mean that they'll buy it, rather than borrow it from a friend, and it doesn't mean that if they ever give their own copy that they won't wait until/if it comes down significantly in price.

Unless the Kickstarter page has ever mislead anyone in to thinking that Shenmue 3 might come to Xbox One at the same time, there's no misleading. Sony, like any single member of the public, is allowed to give its own donation of it wishes. If that's a deciding factor in which platforms the game comes to, that's Shenmue 3's creator's decision.

If Sony always intended to back the project, it doesn't mean that it's not contingent on having 100% guarantee of backing from the public too. It's not a huge amount of shadiness at all- it's Sony essentially testing the waters before deciding whether or not to make a donation. The original games cost a fortune to make- it can't be entered in to lightly.

I hope for Microsoft's sake that they consider doing the same Kickstarter attempt for a Jet Set Radio Future 2.

[MoveTheGlow]

God, I wish *someone* would do that for JSRF2, even if it means buying the rights.

[LordMaim]

Shady? BS. You didn't see Koji Igarashi get this kind of scrutiny about Bloodstained. Polygon even labeled it as "business as usual"

http://www.polygon.com/2015...

Is it suddenly "shady" for Shenmue to make use of Kickstarter because it isn't coming to Xbox One?

[MoveTheGlow]

He did get that scrutiny from independent developers, actually. They cried foul on the amount he asked for, saying it contributes to a public misunderstanding of the costs of game creation. They were wrong - that video he made was very, very clear on what the Kickstarter was for, as is Shenmue 3.

[modelgod]

@TheGreatGamer considering the amount of money that each individual shelled out, if it's indeed at least $10,000, if they can psychically "PROVE" that funding was already/secretly available by sony,there should be no reason why those individuals can't file a claim and become official " Investors" and now profit off of the future sales(which will be high but the game will suck, have we forgotten that there actually was a shenmue 2?) Of The game. Trust me, I'm a marketing major.

[hkgamer]

I think they should have been a little more transparent with this kickstarter.

igavania was very transparent about other investors backing it.

However, I think most shenmue fans knew that kickstarter was just a small amount of funding for the game development and other investors was going to support it.

Would also liek to say that the whole point they did this kickstarter was to get the hardcore fans to pay more than $100 a game. I haven't funded it yet but I am looking at $120-$500. which I wouldnt have paid if I went to the shop.

I also think that thie game wouldn'tt sell much when released because all the fans that want it has already bought it.

[shodai]

people should be thankful that it was a kickstarter, at least the PC community. Because if it wasnt, and Sony was totally funding this, it would never make it to PC. Im a PS fan and has a PS4 since launch but Im no fanboy, so let me get this straight to you, there are multiple reasons to use a kickstarter in this case and it was the best option for sony and Yu (the dev who requested the money)

1st) to see interest, money talks better than surveys and its not as if people who back it are getting nothing, 29$ ur getting a copy of the game of what most likely will be a 60$ game, so I would say its a good deal for them

2nd) It allows the dev freedom to port it to PC, and not gove full power to sony over this game.

3rd) creative freedom, need I say more...

[subtenko]

NO, its the gauge the interest and see if the investment will me worth it (they cant make a game and no one buy it. That waste their time and a lot of devs time they could be with their family and working on other things making a living.

How is it 'shady' when you gotta buy the game anyway? A bunch of talk about nothin is what this is. Stop trying to make a big deal about it... Its paying off a game early, preordering...and you could possibly get extra incentives like a discounted price n stuff

[SirBradders]

How is it shady when your getting rewarded for your donation. Also what everyone else said. Don't be hating on a company trying to bring back a legendary game.

[MoveTheGlow]

That's your view, but it's not a correct one. Kickstarters are simply platforms for crowdfunding part of a project. It's a pre-venture capital version of venture capital. You don't give a motorcycle a kickstart and expect the kick's energy to make the thing go for 50 miles, it starts the engine. For big projects, investments after the initial Kickstarter are the fuel. One doesn't work without the other, sure, but both are okay for existing.

Yes, the funding just came out, but if you could read and/or hear, you'd know Sony was supporting it. The descriptions always read PC and PS4. No Xbox One, no WiiU.

Far, far shadier investors have jumped on to Kickstarter projects to fund work. It's a part of the process, as the process of games creation in some ways has always been, since giant public companies often take advice from their biggest shareholders.

[callahan09]

I don't understand why people care so much if a big company or a famous person goes to Kickstarter for funding. It's a great platform for funding because it generates exposure during production, which is typically a stage of the process that doesn't generate much exposure (particularly for non-gaming products... games, and to some extent movies, actually do a decent job of generating exposure during production). Also, it is a great indicator of product interest. And finally, it is currently the best way to involve your fan/customer-base in the production process, which is a key factor and something that even the largest companies and most famous people can get great advantage out of, and that the fans/customers can get great enjoyment out of. What are the downsides? Honestly, I can't think of a single one. The real deal is this: the money you support a Kickstarter with goes DIRECTLY towards getting you a product and rewards in exchange. Really, you're pre-ordering. So what's the big problem with that, exactly? It's good for everyone involved, and I support the notion that ANYONE, including large companies and the very rich & famous, should be able to utilize Kickstarter for the benefits that it provides both them and their fan/customer-base.

[pcz]

kickstarter is just another way they are exploiting gamers. gamers must be seen as such suckers. i mean, if kickstarter existed before the internet, it would have been an advert in a games magazing saying ''if you want us to make *INSERT GAME TITLE*, please send £30 in an envelope to this address ...''

lame.

yes its fantastic shenmue is finally getting the sequel we all want, but why do we also have to fund its production? the entire universe knows gamers will buy it, all they have to do is make it, so i dont believe they would have any trouble finding deals within the industry to produce it, the game is a sure fire hit.

i have said it before, but i think kickstarter is just another way to exploit what the games industry perceive as stupid consumers. and yes, its quite clear they do consider us stupid when they have the audacity to offer paid DLC, online subscriptions, micro transactions etc so not only are they making us buy the game in 100's of pieces, but are now asking for us to pay for their production.

[Christopher]

During his AMA, he said Sony is helping, but not footing the development costs at all.

How is that shady? My understanding is they're essentially acting as the publisher as it relates to marketing and distributing on PS4. But, they aren't funding development nor own the IP.

[ipach]

people knew what they were 'paying' for... no one said you had to give $10,000 and have dinner with Yu. But, if someone out there is willing, why not let them? For many, the fun of being part of the movement is well worth the price of admission.

and what if sony said, 'never mind; we're good. take your money back. we're going to do it all ourselves.' and cancelled all the rewards? how would that make everyone feel?

[fermcr]

The entire Shenmue 3 deal(s) from the moment in was presented during Sony's conference, was shady as hell.
I'm surprised Kickstarter allowed something like this to happen.

[_-EDMIX-_]

....most who have stated the same thing also think the game will cost 2 million entirely to create, most didn't even read past the whole kickstarter or even watched anything following E3 regarding the matter.

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

Mind you...that was right after, I'm not sure where this "now Sony's admitted" came from as it wasn't a secert and was confirmed to be supported by them in terms of funding right after it was revealed.

The kickstarter is to gauge interest, not fully, solely fund the game. Too many games have came from Kickstarter for someone to just assume the whole thing is funded their.

Bloodstained, didn't get full funded from there, neither did Star Citizen...I've found that many on here don't even know that, they still think that Kickstarter is where they go to fund the game lol

Sony doesn't own the IP, they don't own the publishing rights, Shenmue factually didn't sell huge millions and many folks are HUGE fans of many things....that actually don't do huge numbers.

The game has a huge fan base, yes.....does that translate into huge sales? Maybe, maybe not.

They can't just go on putting millions in an IP they don't own and can't even publish without Sega backing it and Sega won't back it unless they feel someone even wants it.

The Kickstarter made sense. To support that Kickstarter, is to support Yu's dream. Your asking why Sony didn't?

....its NOT SONY'S IP, they don't own the ip and don't own the publishing rights, question Sega that.

Sony is the one that is even stating they will fund it, IF the demand is there as that is what Kickstarter is there for.

To say this is a "problem" is just too funny. I know many out here would agree that if one of their favorite games was going to brought pack, remade, rebooted etc, they very much would want it kickstartered to get the awareness out.

Who wouldn't?

I really don't get this whole "shady" thing as again...its not even Sony's game and they are assisting in funding it, they have to watch how it plays out as again...its not their IP and they are not publishing.

[thekhurg]

Apparently you're new to kickstarter.

A lot of games have publishing support on kickstarter, but there is a requirement that the game make "X" amount of dollars on kickstarter for the developer to get that publisher's money.

This is nothing new in the industry at all. For instance:

Kingdom Come: Deliverance was in the same situation. Once they reached their milestones in kickstarter, their publisher wrote the check for the rest.

[hkgamer]

why wouldnt kickstarter allow this? it gave them advertising for the people that havent heard of it.

they will also pocket a fair amount from this which could hit around $5mil

[Whitey2k]

Maybe he doesn't have the devs to develop shenmue

[Drasill]

It is odd that they are using Kickstarter when they have both Sony and Sega backing the project. I mean, I'm assuming Sega is contributing also since they own the IP.

[blackblades]

Sega isn't backing it that's why it's coming. Besides the guy owns it, it's his game. 1&2 are sega because they helped fund them.

[Dasteru]

Sega doesn't own the IP. They only own the rights to the first 2 games since they funded the development. Yu Suzuki owns the IP.

[lelo2play]

Yu Suzuki doesn't own the IP.
It's specificity mentioned in the Kickstarter page:
"Is this game affiliated with SEGA?
SEGA has officially given us the rights to use the "Shenmue 3" license."

The IP Shenmue belongs to SEGA. They will likely receive a percentage of Shenmue 3 profits.

[hkgamer]

im pretty sure sega owns the IP.

@lelo2play
Percentage of shenmue3 profits? I'm pretty sure they wouldnt have done that deal, they would prefer upfront payment.

I doubt Shenmue3 will turn a profit, who else would buy the game after all the hardcore fans have backed kickstarter?

[sypher]

Article is not true;

http://crashlanded.co.uk/Sh...

[MasterCornholio]

Oh i see how it is now.

Sony is basically funding the marketing for the game. An Yu didnt want to sell the game to a publisher because he wouldnt have as much freedom with it. Not to mention that if Sony fully funded the title it would delay it even further.

Makes plenty of sense.

[rezzah]

Kickstarter allows for creative freedom that publishers usually take away for business perspectives. They basically say "If we fund your game development then we have a say with how certain things must be done".

An example is the decision for the main character to be male, this is the reason why the devs for Life is Strange went to Square Enix because they said no other publisher would allow them to use a female lead.

[nicksetzer1]

Your link is some randon guy making assumptions, he does not use a single source.

The article above has sources for each statement they make. Strange people seem to accept the on you posted despite that fact.

@eon where does that say Sony isn't funding the project at all? In fact, it would suggest the exact opposite.

[Eonjay]

So what about this:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

Is the guy who is actually making the game some single random guy? Do YOU know more than him on the subject of his game?

[Eonjay]

You are NOT going to give up your crusade against Sony so I know the truth doesn't matter... especially when it comes from sorces from within SCE.. I really don't want to do all the leg work but Yoshida, and Boyes have both recanted this.

You know what I have a better idea. Tell me what it would take to convince you.

[nicksetzer1]

There is no convincing needed, there are quotes from multiple people at sony that they are giving money to the project. They also said that they wanted to use ot to measure interest. The question is why are you ignoring that? There is no crusade and nothing I have ever posted contradicts itself. If MS had went on stage with a project thwy are funding (no matter to what extent) and asked for their customers to kickstart it on top of that, I would be just as concerned. This is not some indie game with a 1 million dollar budget, this is a sequel to a major AAA franchise that is funded by the publisher who promoted it's customers to pay for the project.

You think that 20million towards developement or 20 million towards developement changes that? Despite the fact you have nothing to show that is true, it doesn't change the fact that it is a practice I disagree with.

You just confuse not being a blind Sony follower with being a "sony hater." Which I can't blame you for as you seem to be the previously mentioned.

I equally hold both MS and Sony to the same standards, the problem is that you and most here don't. So yes in comparison to you I am a "Sony hater" but as a consumer I just have the same expectation for MS and Sony. With MS I usually don't have to voice concerns because people are always there to do that and have already voiced my concerns as quickly as possible.

[Eonjay]

Okay lets do this:

Adam Boyes says that they are not funding the project because it would be too risky and they would have to negotiate with the actual investors.

What does this mean to you?

[sypher]

You mean the sources which are clearly stated on the right on the article?

[nicksetzer1]

I have not seen a single thing from adam saying he isn't giving any funding at all to this project, you just claiming it doesn't make it true.

How about this, Shuhei Sony's President, said they are funding it.

http://www.gameinformer.com...
"We asked specifically if Sony would be helping to finance the game. "Yes, provided that the Kickstarter is successful, and it has met its goal," Yoshida says. This wasn't specified on stage, as Sony's Adam Boyes made it clear that Shenmue III was not Sony's project, and was solely the work of Suzuki's company."

Notice how I used an actual source instead of continually asking you to just believe me blindly....

[_-EDMIX-_]

https://www.youtube.com/wat...

at 1.50min, he very much states they are providing funding and getting behind it in terms of "marketing".

I'm not really sure what is even being debated when someone from Sony clearly states the words "funding"

@Eonjay- "Adam Boyes says that they are not funding the project"

I mean....do you have a link to where he recently stated that (ie after the youtube clip of him confirming it)?

I mean...is the link I provided not Adam Boye? Is he not stating they are indeed "Funding" Shenmue 3?

[Eonjay]

As you just stated, Sony is offering support but that support isn't for development. The development costs have been detailed in the KickStarter. If those goals aren't reached, then those features will not be in the game. Sony's part includes porting and advertisement.

The point that you are missing is that the actual development of the title isn't being funded by Sony.

Therefore, the Kickstarter is very important for fans who want this game to be the best it can be.

Sony has agreed to the heavy lifting outside of advertisment. This is completely separate from development.

Surly, this something we can both agree on.

@_-EDMIX-_

he states that they are supplying funding as well, but doesn't state what it is for. Fortunately we know what its NOT for. Thats why this Kickstarter is important.

Also check this out:
https://www.youtube.com/wat...

[Tainted Gene]

@Nick

REKT

Shenmue 3 was practically dead in the water and with this Kickstarter event... it WASNT going to happen

As someone who has waited 15+ years for this game... I just glad it got annouced.

[nicksetzer1]

@eon I said:
"There is no convincing needed, there are quotes from multiple people at sony that they are giving money to the project. They also said that they wanted to use ot to measure interest."

To which you said that adam boyes said they aren't funding the game. In case you are confused, giving money to the project is called funding. You now changing your story demanding it is for marketing (deapite no clear claims of this) does not change that it is funding even if you want it to. It also doesn't change my opinion that it is a bad practice.

You seem to just be going from one incorrect assumption to another. So if we end up finding out that sony is involved in the developement then what will you say? You are making assumption and defending sony in a way that is unecessary, if you end up being wrong you will have been spreading lies for no reason to which people will claim Sony lied, when really it was just stupid commentors like you.

@taint how am I rekt? Because he was incorrect? I am not questioning whether the game is good, or whether I (or anyone looks forward to it) am lookibg forward to it. I just don't think major publishers should be promoting kickstarters for projects they are backing.

[Eonjay]

"So if we end up finding out that sony is involved in the developement then what will you say?

I would say that I was wrong and I would move on. You have nothing but an assumption yourself. I am someone who requires evidence and if I am wrong I always make an attempt to acknowledge it.

You are making it about Sony. I just don't like being misled.

[nicksetzer1]

@eonjay "I am someone who requires evidence and if I am wrong I always make an attempt to acknowledge it."

Yet everthing I have posted, along with the quotes in this article all say that Sony are funding the game. Yet you claimed they weren't. Now you claim it is only marketing, despite not a single mention of marketing in any of the quotes. In fact, the quote from shuhei is pretty obviously refering to the games developement.

Yet you require proof? Strange how you require proof but have made your entire assumption based on no proof.

[majiebeast]

Setzer just stfu for once. You are everything that is wrong with the N4G bubble system.

[nicksetzer1]

@majie So people who comment on things based on facts and given information are the problem? Whule people like eon who base everything off of imaginary fantasies they conjure up based on nothing are what is right? Think you have things all wrong.

If the kickstarter is where the dev cost is coming from, why did yu say they need over 10 mil to develop the title?

http://www.playstationlifes...

Gio corsi said they are funding developement and kickstarter was to gauge interest.

http://www.crowdfundinsider...

"We said, ‘the only way this is going to happen is if fans speak up,’ and we thought Kickstarter was the perfect place to do this. So we set a goal for $2 million and if the fans come in and back it, then absolutely, we’re going to make this a reality. So, Sony and PlayStation are definitely a partner in this game, and it’s going to be run through Third Party Productions with Ys Net. We’re going to get the game done. We’re going to be partners the whole way, and we’re really excited to see this thing come out in a couple of years.”

Along with adam and shuhei both saying the same things as I already linked to on the comment section.

You are just such a blind follower you would rather critisize someone (me in this case) for being a fanboy and make up your own delusional story than have actual facts.

If you have no problem being asked to fund Sony's projects, then great, I do. Same with MS, nintendo or any other major publisher. The point of kickstarter is for people who cannot produce funds, not publishers who want less risk and crowd funding.

[Spotie]

Nick, give it up. You're fueling a propaganda campaign against this game and Sony for your own fanboy purposes. That's why whenever someone points out exactly how wrong you are with exact quotes from Suzuki or anyone else actually involved, you don't even bother to reply. You are literally doing what you accused others of doing here. http://n4g.com/comments/red... And it's absolutely sickening that you're allowed to do so. You just keep making shit up, keep repeating it, and enlisting the aid of other fanboys on the site to continually spout this bold-faced lie until it becomes truth.

It's even more disgusting when I see how many people are falling for this bull.

[nicksetzer1]

@spotie how am I fueling propaganda against the game? I have no problem with the game, I just don't like the way it was achieved and would like to voice my concern so it does not become the norm. If you want to have to put up 2 or more million dollars for every game that comes to a console, then, I guess you feel free to do that. I on the other hand, don't want that to be the case.

It's hilarious how you people on here call everyone fanboys anytime they don't praise every move Sony makes. Was I also a fanboy when I said horizon was the best game of ahow in multiple articles, when I praised game sharing, when I rejoiced the uncharted remaster? (despite no online)

Or am I only a fanboy when it fits your agenda for me to be one?

[Outside_ofthe_Box]

OH MY GOD!

Here we go AGAIN with nicksetzer1 and his Sony crusade!

And don't give me that bull of "well I did praise Horizon, blah blah yada yada..." I see that as you saving face from now on. I've seen you in another article(which you got a well said bubble for and massive agrees btw, so much for N4Sony huh?) where you tried to make it seem as if all PS4 fans were praising Sony for PlayStation Vue when in fact only the article itself was doing that. We all know people were stoked for TLG, FF7, Shenmue 3, Horizon, and UC4 not a TV streaming service after the conference was over, but that didn't stop you from trying to paint it as such. That was where your true agenda was exposed. You only care about trying to point out hypocrisy and nothing else. Your hypocrisy obsession led to you pointing out something that didn't exist.

And now back to the matter at hand...

If you truly cared only about the facts you wouldn't be only taking what fits your OBVIOUS agenda. As of right now there aren't any Sony quotes that explicitly states that "Yes we are providing development costs" nor "No we are not providing development costs." So if any stance should be taken it should be "wait and see for more information."

This article: http://www.escapistmagazine... explains the whole fiasco well imo.

Anyway, even if Sony is putting in part/some costs for the development directly it isn't Sony's fault that there was a kickstater. Why you may ask? Well... look at Enojay's link!

****"But I had reported that I want to do it with Kickstarter, so we took such style."****

The CREATER HIMSELF wanted to use kickstater. Sony does not own the IP and therefore cannot force Suzuki to do anything. So boom, you should be upset with Suzuki.

The funny thing is if Shenmue 3 was confirmed to be multiplat nobody would be complaining about whether or not Sony chipped in. And had MS done it instead, you could bet your behind that nicksetzer1 would post Enjay's link and tell everyone to STFU lol.

What's next on your articles to submit nick? UC4 graphics downgrade LMFAO!?

[Eonjay]

I have been saying this for many articles now and people just wont accept it. I even received dumb inbox messages.

I will keep reporting these articles as fake until the mods decide to invoke the rules of this website.

[MasterCornholio]

Yeah that source with the developer himself explaining what happened is alot more reliable than this article which appears to be more of an opinion than anything.

[sypher]

Exactly, I posted an actual legit article explaning everything with sources cited - n4g mod strikes it down for being old news lol. This site is just dumb sometimes.

[sypher]

Here is the source of Adam Boyes clearly stating Sony's position in video - https://www.youtube.com/wat...

Source enough for you?

[xyblaze]

I would like to see this article in the N4G frontpage !

[MasterCornholio]

Basically if the public wanted the game badly enough Sony would fund its development. The goals were a way to measure this.

Now this means that if they didnt meet the goals the game would never get funded by Sony. I always suspected that 2 million was a bit low for the game and now the truth reveals itself.

I dont know what to think of this. On the one hand Shenmue 3 will get made which is what the fans wanted. But on the other hand they are funding part of the development of the game.

[Pogmathoin]

The demand for this game is huge, clever by Sony to gauge it, but how it plays out remains to be seen.... Will Sony exert control, causing developer relations issues?

[MasterCornholio]

Sony wont control the game. Thats why Yu didnt want them to fully fund it. However Sony will be in charge of the marketing though.

[Sweep14]

Sony never fully fund games where they don't own the IP

[die_fiend]

People want this game to be made, and the donations will make the game better...I thought people were happy about this a couple of days ago!! I doubt a company wants to sink too much into his when the first two didn't sell as well despite the quality. But if Sony want to plough in millions to make the game better, that's great great news. The kickstarter thing is additional funding, it's not all a conspiracy...the more money poured in, the more likely it'll live up to the first two.

[NeoGamer232]

Kickstarter is about the small guys. It is no place for a company like Sony to get assistance in funding a game.

[iceman06]

Sony is not getting funding. Yu Suzuki is getting funding. Plus, people who are "donating" are basically paying upfront for their games. Though Yu Suzuki is not a "small guy", I would say that an IP that is over 15 years old is quite a risky venture and would fall under the spirit of kickstarting games that wouldn't have a chance otherwise without the aid of fans.

[NeoGamer232]

@iceman06
Sony put Yu Suzuki on stage, trotted him around and is doing the marketing and may be funding the game...

Don't get me wrong, I want this game to happen. And I am happy it is...

But when big corporations get involved in Kickstarter activities I don't like it. Kickstarter is for the little guys. Corporations get involved in stuff for selfish reasons... Tax write-offs, mind share, make more money. When something is funded through donations of-sort, this blurs the lines.

[Software_Lover]

W........T..........F!!!!!

Shady tactic and they knew what they were gonna do before presenting (IMHO).

buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuttt, people do what they want to do with their money. I personally don't invest AN ANYTHING if I'm not expecting a return. In hindsight, Sony played with emotions so they wouldn't have to pay the entire bill.

SMART

[Bathyj]

Its not even about the money. Its just a drop in the ocean to what the game is going to cost to make.

Sony merely wanted to see if all the cries for S3 were just the diehard fans still clamoring to hope, or if the general gaming public actually still cared enough about this franchise to do something about it. That my opinion. Kickstarter is barely paying for anything.

[Software_Lover]

I completely understand.

But, Devil's advocate, that is the job of their research team. That is what they get paid to do. If they want to do the game, do it, and deal with the profits/losses. If you don't want to do the game then don't. It happens all the time.

Why not do a kickstarter to see if the public wants Horizon or any other game? Kickstarter is not the TRUE WAY to garner public interest on a video game.

[S2Killinit]

@Softwarelover

Here buddy this is for you:

I'm going to post this again for those who are confused about why the kickstarted was necessary:

...thats sort of how it works in the entertainment industry in general. If a particular game/movie has inherent risks involved (as we have learned Shenmue does/did,thus the looong delay) the person pitching the intelectual property needs to find financing in order to get the project going, once that happens, the producer/studios invest in the property once they feel that the creator is on to something good. This is normal practice.

In the case of Shenmue, Mr Suzuki did not have the funding to get the project started as Sega did not want to touch the ip. Usually a studio who owns an ip and is no longer interested in capitalizing on it (in this case Sega), will "shelf" the ip. This means that the ip will no longer be an option for the person who "created" the ip (in this case Suzuki). However, some contracts between the "creator" and the "studio" will have a clause that allows the creator (Suzuki) to pitch the idea to other studios who may decide to take a risk. Once the creator (Suzuki) triggers this clause, he will have a short period of time (usually 6 months) to find an investor, otherwise the ip is permanently shelfed/abandoned. In order to find a substitute studio/investor the Creator (Suzuki) needs funding, to gather the necessary people, and kickstart the ip. This usually involves producing a part of the ip, so that the studio people (in this case Sony) can pitch the idea to their bosses/investors. If the right people mobilize, the new studio (Sony) pays a sort of royalty to the original studio (Sega) in order to obtain the rights from them. This is a risk that Sony or anyone investor had to be willing to take, and its partly the reason why it took so long for someone to step up and take Shenmue from Sega. Mr. Suzuki, did not have the funding to "kickstart" the program (thats why its called "kickstarter"), and thats why the kickstarter program was useful for Shenmue. So please guys, no more baseless talk about Sony not having had faith in Shenmue or some other nonsense like "is the kickstarter necessary", because yeah, it is necessary.

So to answer your concerns, what you are describing is Fraud. That is NOT whats happening here.

Lets just be happy Shenmue is happening.

p.s. its time gamers put their money where their mouth is. You guys wanted Shenmue. Its almost here. Lets support it.

[MrAfrika]

At this point I don't really care, you got my money already just make the game....

But Sony if you decide to do this again to rejuvenate a franchise just know....

fool me once shame on you....
you can go kick rocks if you try to fool me twice.

[Bathyj]

If Sony announce a Tenchu Kickstarter Im all over it like white on poisoned rice.

[iceman06]

We will die happily together!!! LOL

[starchild]

Me too. I would throw all my money at a Tenchu kickstarter. (Well, not all my money, but a sizable sum :)

[S2Killinit]

no body fooled you. please read my comment above. Also Sony has nothing to do with the kickstarter.

[fanboysmackdown]

Shady indeed, just knew Sony was up to something. No surprise though.

[TwoForce]

Really, dude ? Even if it is, I would be upset. But not this, I'm not defend or against it. People do have something what they want. It can be really really hurt from both side.

[TwoForce]

But I happy Shenmue fans have something they want for so long.

[kingjosh1876]

They expect us to have the confidence and put our money in, but they don't have the confidence to do so themselves?

Surely from analysing social discussions on the internet they could see people would want this game.

[BillytheBarbarian]

You guys realize if you donate $30 or higher you get a copy of the game?

Just think of it as preorders. The more you spend the bigger your collector's edition will be. I just wanted my name in the credits and a game. I'm happy. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

[Software_Lover]

:)

[yarbie1000]

When you pre-order a game from Gamestop, the game is already in development and closing in on release. You're pre-ordering a final product.

Shenmue 3 has no product. You're paying to get it developed. And the Dev needs $10mil to bring you a true open-world experience that he wants to bring (his words, not mine) And he only asked for $2mil before they told you they needed $10. And they refuse to tell you how much money these other investors are putting in.

And they are using stretch goals like French or Spanish subtitles (as if the game is just going to not release in these markests if it doesn't hit its objective)

It's shady. And many kickstarter projects don't even materialize. Not sayin this isone of them, but fans should know exactly whats happening and the process should be transparent.

[ORyanDeee]

@yarbie1000 it doesn't change the fact that you are still pretty much pre-ordering the game, because in the end you're still going to get a copy.

[NatureOfLogic_]

It's like if Sony fully fund the game they expect to get it for free or something. lol

[DarXyde]

Oh, you two GamePro kids (you and Software_Lover). Takes me back. :0)

Agreed, Billy. I think people are overlooking that you're technically saving money by pledging to it. If a million people pledged $30, a million people get a copy of the game AND it raises $30 million.

[Keregan]

Lol the more we hear about it the more this game is filling in to be a nice little indie remade for the 3000/4000 old fans of the franchise

[Spotie]

It's not a remake, first and foremost.

Secondly, with almost 44,000 backers at present, it's nearly 11 times that bullshit number you claim.

Lastly, isn't the trolling about this game out of hand by now? The stupidity I'm seeing spewed forth is starting to make my head hurt.

[Lucreto]

It's not that way at all. Sony is using the Pub Fund, and Third Party Productions is going to make the PS4 port and use some marketing muscle. The vast majority of funds are coming from the Kickstarter.

Sony weren't involved in getting the situation to where it currently is. Yu Suzuki managed to get the rights from Sega himself. Sony wasn't involved in that.

And Sony's not the only partner in it. He's getting money from other investors too.

Boyes is on record saying that, were Sony going to fund it themselves, it'd be two years of going through the process before they could even start working on it.

The main development and PC version are all http://YS.net Sony's active development remains on just the PS4 version.

Yu Suzuki's been trying for fourteen years to get the game going. If he was able to get support from any publisher or manufacturer, he would have taken it.

I'm not sure why people are thinking the deal with Shenmue is any different to the deal that Sony has with Super Meat Boy, for instance. They're making the PlayStation version themselves. But Team Meat had to make the base game first, and they needed the funding for that, but because they were two guys, they could just fund it themselves.

Shenmue III needs a LOOOONG list of people, as the Kickstarter page shows. Sony's not paying their wages, and they're not working for nothing. That's why they needed Kickstarter.

[jjb1981]

It might be a ps+ exclusive, or at the least a Sony exclusive

[343_Guilty_Spark]

Why not an official poll to gauge interest? Why a kickstarter?

Because kickstarter is free money. A people were freely giving it away.

Kickstarter for small indies is a great tool, but using it for big budget IPs is a disgusting practice.

[iceman06]

Official polls can gauge interest. BUT, the kickstarter goes one step further. It PROVES intent to purchase, which really can't be argued. Although Shenmue has proven a popular IP, it's also been 15 years since the last iteration. It's risky in and of itself. It's basically a big budget IP...without a budget because SEGA has sat on the IP forever! THAT'S why Yu Suzuki (NOT SONY) decided to go the kickstarter route. Then, he went searching for a partner and Sony (amongst other investors) was willing to help. Being shown at E3 was just instant publicity for the kickstarter.
I would agree that it would be "disgusting" if Sony owned the IP or were asking us to fully fund one that they DO own and control. This is not the case.

[listenkids]

It's not really a big problem, get back to reality guys, nothing to see here.

[PhoenixUp]

I still feel like the game in the end will only sell to a niche market. Sony should make sure this game is offered on PS+

[Spid3r6]

I agree with your statement, Shemue was incredible game...But it did not do so well because people thought the gameplay was so boring...I have where we have gone with gaming. Many games are now open world but very little are story driven in which you want to be involved. Shemue regardless will be very special and I hope it can recapture a new generation of gamers. Many of the gamers that payed kickstater actually are in the late twenty all the way to their mid to late thirties. This why this game should be a multiplat and at the end it might be.

[deadpoolio316]

The game will only sell to a niche market...That is the exact reason why Sega wanted nothing further to do with the IP....The first game cost 50 million and the sequel was around 70 million, annnnnnd both of them were failures that didn't sell well.

A game can be great all it wants but it doesn't change the fact that its a failure that didn't catch the attention of a wider audience to the point that Sega was more than willing to shelf it and never have to look at it again....

There is ZERO chance this game on todays consoles would get made for 2 or 10 million dollars, EVERY single kickstarter has outside investors. ZERO games on kickstarter are, were or will be made for what they raised...

[galgor]

Shenmue 3 is being made. Stop fucking whining!

[S2Killinit]

Exactly. Seems like some people are upset. Im just happy Shenmue is finally happening! This was the biggest news of the year for me.

[scark92]

This, this is what matters, maybe complain if it happens more than once!

[WheatBread]

From Kickstarter:
"Can you make an open world game for just $2 million?"
"No, we cannot make an open world game for $2 million. Shenmue will be produced using both the funds raised from the Kickstarter and through other funding sources already secured by Ys Net Inc. We are very sorry, but due to contractual obligations, details of outside investments will not be disclosed."

also he explained it in an article at this link.. http://www.gamespark.jp/art...

so STFU

[Kevlar009]

It would be one thing if people put money into the Kickstarter and got nothing in return. But in essence you're saying "yes, I want this game" and buying some sort of product associated with it to support the Dev. If you pay X dollars and get a digital release, why does it matter if someone else is putting the big bucks in? It's like pre-ordering the game without seeing the final product.

If no one put out money it might not have been made. If you don't want to spend $5000 dollars to get the jacket, then don't get the jacket. If you want to put in a dollar with no return then you're giving them a dollar with a yes attached. The way I see it the kickstartr can either be 3 million without Sony's help for a smaller game, 30-50 million without Sony's help for a larger game, or what it currently is.

You can be mad at Sony for not fully funding it blindly, but I don't see how this is shady when people are getting something out of it. For many backers they've guaranteed themselves a copy of Shenmue 3.

[isarai]

It's staggering to see just how many people absolutely refuse to look at the facts provided by over a dozen separate irrefutable sources and instead will spend their time going to every article regurgitating the bullshit the "gaming journalists" spoon fed to them.

[RoseSapphire]

I have zero issues with this Kickstarter. As I see it the service is designed for two things:

1. New companies with low capital to get a product or idea off the ground and to market.

2. Defunct or long dormant projects and ideas that need commitment to receive additional funding.

Shenmue 3 falls into category 2. The series had been dormant for well over a decade and the past titles didn't sell well enough to warrant finishing the sequel.

Sony is still paying the lion's share of the cost of development but now has a firm baseline for interest in the game via what essentially works as "preorders".

Now, if this were a new IP and Sony or any other major publisher took this route then I would expect them to be taken to task for it but for taking what is undoubtedly a large risk on a title very few people are still familiar with (and is arguably irrelevant in today's market) it seems reasonable to expect some capital up front.

[jams_shop]

If you think 2 millions is enough to develop a game like Shenmue on today's industry, then you are wrong. The rest of the money has to come from somewhere and we all is not coming from SEGA. The Kickstarter was used to measure the fans' likelihood to get the game. I see this Kickstarter like a really early pre-order campaign/program.

[Wulfer]

I think the answer is clear, maybe Xbox owners should pledge another 3 million to kickstarter and see if Yu is willing to accept that funding. However he has to promise the game will be released for Xbox. Let's see how bad he needs funding???

[deathtok]

This isn't as bad as its being made out to be. Bloodstained just did the same thing. The only difference is they did a better job about being upfront.

Like it or not this is a new reality, particularly one with passion projects. The "do a survey" mentality doesn't work because it's an ideal set of results while Kickstarter gauges actual results

[ReelBigMike]

I get to play Shenmue 3 on PS4 for $29. Why is this a bad thing? I don't care how it gets made, so long as it gets made. I've literally been waiting half of my life for Shenmue 3.

[Wonder_Punk]

The game is going to cost a hell of a lot more than 2 million to make, remember how the first one practically destroyed Sega financially? This whole situation is just really weird....

[trouble_bubble]

Lol @ all the conspiracy theorists who never put a penny into Shenmue then, now or ever. Gamers are the cheapest, most entitled smack talkers out there. This is why we can't have nice things.

[Kingoftherodeo]

question is what would have happen had everyone given the minimum amount just to get a digital copy. how many copies would this game sell at release? would it had been consider a failure sure we get the game but would it make money?

[cheameup]

personally I find it a little shady. If sony got up on stage and explained it then I would be fine with it . So now instead of pre order we have to pre pay a non refundable deposit to get the game made? I dont buy the "just gauging reception" line . people have been begging for a new one forever

I know the game was revolutionary at the time for how open it was but games have come a lomg way since.I just dont think going to "work" and driving a forklift is going to be as amazing as it was back in the day

[jholden3249]

Wow, it's enlightning listening to people defend this like it's somehow okay.

And oh, by the way, if you don't eat this crap up and defend it, you're an Xbox fanboy.

Money is money. Doesn't matter if it's going to marketing, development, or general all purpose fund. It's all part of making the game happen.

So they can ask the public to fund the game because they couldn't find someone willing to publish it. Well I can guarantee you Sony's not doing this for free. They're securing themselves a cut out of the profits- that much I can assure you.

So if Sony's investment yields them a return, why doesn't ours? Give backers the same deal Sony got with their investment and we'll call it even. And yes I backed this game in my ignorance

[Articuno76]

Because Sony would be investing, you (by using Kickstarter) aren't.

Kickstarter isn't an investment platform. If you don't understand that you fundementally don't understand Kickstarter. You aren't an investor, but in this case you do get a (potential) return: the game.

[rashada07]

Who is surprised? It was announced on the Sony stage not twitch [i.e. bloodstained]

[nycgamer4ever]

I have a real question. How many of you guys who are here calling this shady actually pledged plan to pledge?

My guess is none. So whats the problem? You don't like it then don't support it. I'm sure the people who pledge have no issue with it and are happy the game is coming so let them be. It's their money. And beside $30 and you get a copy!!! What other new major game this gen cost $30?!

And anyone who thinks this game gets made for just $2,000,000 is fooling themselves.

From what understand Sony is paying for the port to Ps4 and advertising so Ps4 owners can get the game too. Pretty sure Ms can do the same if they wanted.

[amnalehu]

Who can make a AAA game for $2,000,000? I think the kickstarter was more to see how much real interest fans of the series still had in the IP. People are not mindless robots. They made the choice to support the effort and in many if not most cases will also receive a copy of the game.

[PhucSeeker]

I wonder if there're any Xbone owners that backed the game. They've just got F$%#ed, lol.

[green]

Xbox one owner here and I backed it. Why? Because I love the franchise and it is also coming out on PC.

[PhucSeeker]

Oh yeah ! I was misinformed. Sony backing the thing make me think that there'd only be a Ps4's version. My bad ! I guess an Xbone ver is pretty far-fetched but the Pc ver should be more than good.

[Vanfernal]

Who cares! We are getting SHENMUE 3!

[Juangie3]

Fans want a game, Sony is not sure how risky this investment is, they start a kickstarter and get paid upfront... 29 dollars buys you the game when its complete.. i don't think this is shady..its pretty much a preorder ehich moneys goes to development.

[JasonKCK]

Have your cake and eat it too.

[Rickman]

How the hell did anyone not think Sony was involved with this? He came out on stage after the fundraiser was revealed AT THE PLAYSTATION E3 CONFERENCE

[plmkoh]

Lol this is only controversial because Sony is involved, albeit at the most minimal contributions. Bloodstained topped 5.5mil and even Igarashi has revealed how having a publisher is more important than the kickstarter and now Deep Silver is publishing. Yet no ones cares, but Shenmue 3....omg this is 'shady'

Lol this too funny how this is a stealth Sony bashing disguise.

[JWiLL552]

It's all that Nicksetzer1 does on this site. Passive anti-Sony rhetoric.

[celsowm]

It was Yu Sazuki's idea to run through kickstarter, not Sony's... http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

[Hana]

This is false information.

http://www.escapistmagazine...

[JackVagina]

Still fail too see any evidence that sony is paying for the chunk of the dev costs...

[DangerousDAN]

Dude i am so pissed off at these assholes. These guys are slowing down the pledges, man.

[bligmerk]

More like, this is gamesradar pulling a hair out of its ass and trying to find out how long it can go. Can there be a worse example of what gamezine "journalism" will gutter dive into, trying to gain readership? Pathetic and putrid.

[starman]

This is shady as hell, why make fans fund what are basically exclusives for your system? Geez sony, stop being so cheap, you are going to ruin kickstarter for everyone.

[JackVagina]

5 DAY OLD article full of miss information and shoddy journalism SMH HOW DID THIS GET APPROVED

Sony have nothing to do with the kickstarter or development of this game, Yu has said the majority of the games funds come from kickstarter and the rest comes from his independent publisher "ys.net"

Literally all this article is doing is making less people back the KS because they think its pointless because of "Sony involvement" All Sony is doing is making the PS4 port possible and is going to help advertise the game, No where has Sony said they were funding development of this game "The truth!" ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? WHERE? Where in this article or in the linked Kotaku article does it prove Sony is funding this game?

This comment wont even be seen because i commented on this post too late smh, all these articles are literally killing shenmue

[DangerousDAN]

I saw it!!!

[OC_MurphysLaw]

The difficulty with this is there is no way for Sony to ensure the game is good. They can't just cancel the project if it's not looking good. And I highly doubt they want to just throw money at it if it's having trouble. Lets just hope the game is good whenever it gets made.

[Petebloodyonion]

I love Shenmue and have both Dreamcast versions + the xbox version
And was really happy with the announcement and contribute to it.

BUT

This is wrong!
If Sony is financing the game then there was no need for Kickstarter.
The budget isn't a valid argument they could have gone the episodic route like Resident evil revelations 2.
So yes it's bad because this tool is for small developer, inventor who can't find the proper funding to help create their products.
Sure it's a major coup but what's stopping Cacpom from Kickstarting DinoCrisis? Square Enix for ParasiteEVE?
and when theses mega company take center stage to announce their new products, what options is left to small time inventor?

[JWiLL552]

Hey look its another article submitted by Nicksetzer1 with anti-Sony undertones.

What a shocking development...

[Perez]

Looking forward to playing the game, its been certainly a long long wait and I'm happy with that everything else is just not worth it in the grand scheme of things to worry about.

[DangerousDAN]

Enough already. Shenmue is in the horizon and i won't have you conspiracy-theory-sucking sons of bitches ruin it.

Yeah, it's a survey! Duh! Shenmue 1 and 2 required an averge of 60 million to make. We're not idiots! It's also a game that bombed. It is an expensive, high-financial-risk game, so asking people, "hey do you want shenmue 3?" and getting a simple "yeah" just won't do.

This game and its creator, Master Suzuki, needed reassurance of the greatest kind: money! "Prove to me you truly want it and wont back out with excuses when the time comes, because this is some risky shit. Put your money where your mouth's been for the last 14 years"

To that i say, "here's my money, here's my mouth, fucking make the game!"

And please enough with this kickstarter conspiracy. Let shenmue 3 happen already, you cunts. I've waited long enough!!! Goddammit!

[Articuno76]

It should be noted that Sony aren't the sole patron involved here. It might not be Sony specifically that needs the show of confidence but whoever the other involved parties are.

Sadly there's too many question marks over how exactly this Kickstarter is working and who is contributing what based on what basis.

[krypt1983]

This is wrong period sony had a contract with them and used kickstarter as a service to gauge interest for a new game that is not what kickstarter is for, 3million is not even close to what it is going to take to make this game, if Microsoft backed them after this it would have been the biggest conspiracy in the world period..

[urwifeminder]

Here is a game but you have to fund it wow hope this does not become the norm.

[moomoo319]

To be Fair, Igarashi just did the same thing for Bloodstained.

Not the first time kickstarter has been used as a proof of concept for in-place investors.

[Makkanchor]

Save shenmue https://www.kickstarter.com...

[Articuno76]

If a site is involved directly or tangentially in the development of a videogame it is providing (or will provide) critical coverage of then it is an ethical issue. Yet with many sites we have the inverse happening. A sort of "anti-funding" propagated through misinformation.

We have many sites spreading misinformation regarding Shenmue III in what I can only assume is willfully misleading people. How else do you explain all the misinformation from a group of people who pride themselves on the professionality with which they ferret out their reliable information? There's zero excuse for it or any speculation. Journalists don't NEED to speculate: They are supposed to have sources of their own with credible, actual information. Aren't they? They are JOURNALISTS, not speculating bloggers.

Scrub that, actions speak louder than paper qualifications: You are speculating bloggers. Period.

Now that many sites have essentially thrust their hand into the development of the game (even if negatively) they have relinquished their tight to cover it critically short of sparking an ethical issue.

[OldDude]

The people that believe the KS for this game was to gauge interest are chumps. Major corporations dont send someone on stage to beg for millions of dollars to see if people are interested, they do it for money, period. Sony has already stated they have more games they want to KS so you guys had best get used to it. They are burning up their own fanbases goodwill and sooner or later you guys might just catch on. Their whole E3 was smoke and mirrors showing games that havent even started development yet (Shenmue) and games that are years away. That whole show was a sham and when you dont have any exclusives coming you might, and I mean might just get it. These are the same people that promised their fanbase DC free edition and that has been totally swept under the rug.

I get a kick out of most Sony fans saying what a bunch of liars and cheats MS is, well MS isnt the ones begging for money to "gauge interest" from its fanbase now is it.

Glad I sold the damn thing, they make me sick as a company with their business practices.

[Loktai]

You're a real rocket scientist aren't you? Nice mental gymnastics. The best ammo you have is driveclub plus edition? This is ysnet not Sony, don't be so butthurt, it's on pc, nobody is forcing anybody to buy a particular platform to play it.

[stragomccloud]

Because Sony isn't really doing anything for this game. Just saying... he guess what! This exists, and the dev decided to put it here. But.... you should ignore the fact that a PC version is coming too.

[HawaiianDreads]

I'm not sure why everyone is up in arms. We know Sony role in this and they are not funding the game, they are only porting the game to their console and advertisement. Like you said there is going to be a PC version and probably more if the game is funded, but with all these people screaming how evil Sony is they are most likely going to see the kick-starter fail and then probably blame Sony for that. Also all these negative misinformation articles are not helping either.

[Loktai]

1. If you donate is a pre order and above 29 there are gifts to aim for, is not begging for free money. Here's an idea if you don't want to preorder it out support stretch goals based on public interest, don't support it?

2. Those complaining about the game not needing this to prove worth making , the first two didn't save dreamcast at all. All these guys with nostalgia glasses on and most never bought it, it didn't sell all that well, more people have likely played it used than new.

As far as platform choices... it's a Japanese game. Wii u would likely hold it back, there are no other current Gen consoles of any consequence overseas , PC is more than common enough to satisfy those without a ps4. If you have no current pc hardware and only an xbox to game on, you've got literally years to change that if the game is so important.

[JMyers]

How is it a problem? This is showing demand, and the people supporting the Kickstarter still get their rewards. Sony will fund the rest of the development. Isn't that a good thing? I mean the game now exists. Shenmue 2 costs over 50 million to make.

The game will now be made. You either buy it on release or fund it now. It's a clear choice. Otherwise don't buy it. I can not see how this is a bad thing. BloodStained is the same way. Funded by a publisher, but the KickStarter is to establish demand. Fan support is a good thing.

[benji101]

It was a clever marketing trick. Sony fans should not try to defend how deceptive it was. It was a great marketing trick.
It made Sony look like a generous caring business while they robbed people.

It was a confidence trick. Looking back at the sony conference it was a lot crap.

[Manubiggs]

The kickstarter was a promotional tool, to get people interested and excited for a game that only a small segment of the gaming population have played (not that many people ownerd a dreamcast). No one was forced to handover their cash, if it is offensive then vote with your wallet ... that simple. My understanding is the Shenmue games cost 50M+ so I seriously have doubts that the kickstarter money was integral for it. It was mutual promotion for Shenmue and Kickstarter (if this works out)

[tekksin]

90% of the funds for this kickstarter are basically people just preordering the full game for $30. This is basically a discount. And people want to complain. Get real.

[the_mack_attack3]

I confused why such a large money-making machine like Sony just wouldn't front the money instead of offering exposure for kickstarter. The game is never going to fail!

[Bennibop]

Seems to be a lot of people that are being negative or twisting this kickstarter campaign that never contributed speaking for those such as myself that have. These seem to be people that will not be able to play the game on their platform or supposed gaming journalists.

Just so you know I pledged $500, I am more than happy that Sony is supporting the kickstarter as its unreasonable for Ys Net to be looking for funding for the whole game based on previous costs of Shenmue I & II

[tiffac008]

I have a feeling that a lot of people (pro and cons alike) actually did not read what Yu Suzuki said, on why Shenmue 3 had to go to kickstarter. :(

[wheatley]

When all is said and done, I think I'm happier paying Kickstarter's conversion rate on $29 than Playstation store's conversion rate of $=£

[MWH]

I just hope the game comes to realization and succeed.

my concern is that the gamers will refrain from funding the game now because of all those rumors about the game being already securing funds and cooperating with Sony and SEGA and who knows what, they will feel it's unnecessary for them to back it and afterwards it will turn out that there was not enough funds to make the quality Shenmue we all been waiting for.

I'm afraid too much of such obscurity may harm the progress of the game's development.

[Vithar]

lol what do I care? I paid 29$ I get to play Shenmue 3
gamers these days

[gamer7804]

i don't see anything wrong with doing a kickstarted to gauge actual interest in who will by a game a publisher is not sure of. Plus the cost isn't too high, 29$ + whatever kickstarted is.

[extermin8or]

This is ridiculous... Sony have partnered to have the game made, which means they are putting in some of the money the rest will need to be provided by the development studio or whoever -that's what the kick starter was funding as a means to gauge demand.

[bOObies]

Very well written, thought provoking article.

[Articuno76]

Partnering and funding outright are not the same thing.

[silvacrest]

people are complaining like their donations have gone in the trash, like others have mentioned, if you donated more then $5 you are getting the game at a significant discount, donate more and you know what your getting, ryo's jacket, dinner with Yu etc....

[Taero]

Wait...didn't star citizen do something like this? They're up to what, 70 million dollars? But they're also getting funding from other places as well right? No one seems to care there, people heralded it as kickstarter working as best it ever has.

I always thought kickstarter was to actually START the development, not to fully fund it. By raising their minimum amount, they have shown interest and kickstarted the project which will them be partially funded and marketed by Sony. Not too sure I'm seeing the problem here.

No one has ever said that every dollar of production cost must come from the donations themselves...

[WickedLester]

Who the hell cares?? Are we really this desperate to have something to bitch about? Just play your fucking games and shut up! Let the companies worry about the politics behind it all.

[Doodleburger]

Never trust gamesradar, they have a staff full of smarmy twats.

[Jdoki]

This is ridiculous.

We're getting a game we've wanted for a long time

They're using KickStarter as nothing more than a marketing gimmick to raise awareness and gauge interest

All this 'shady'crap, all these conspiracies. Find something better to do than create negativity... like y'know, play games

[WickedLester]

Tell me about it LOL! All this "cloak and dagger" crap is beyond ridiculous. I am convinced that most "gamers" spend more time on the internet talking about shit than they do actually playing games.

[Ethereal]

This is totally fine in my opinion. We are getting a game that otherwise wouldnt have happened. Many games that get funded on Kickstarter end up getting publishing deal from the big guys anyways down the road for marketing and what not. This just happened the other way around.

[cbuc1125]

If this was going to Xbox also, there wouldn't be a problem. All of the naysayers are "those other guys".

[Nonscpo]

"The Kickstarter page makes no mention of external partners at all, let alone one with the power to “make this a reality”. Instead, it implies a staunchly independent, self-sufficient development, discussing the two million dollar request as a complete budget requirement"

I disagree with this, the Q & A clearly stated that there were external party's at play, but that they couldn't mention them due contractual obligation.

[cyber_daemonx]

Shady hmmm. Shady is paying for 1st party exclusivity on an already supposedly multiplat AAA. Now that's shady.