Shenmue fans have taken a bold step to push for Shenmue 4 by renting an advertisement in New York's Times Square. Fan website Shenmue Dojo initiated the campaign to support the series' continuation and help developer Ys Net find a potential partner. This 15-second Times Square ad showcases key characters and features the hashtag #LetsGetShenmue4. The campaign successfully trended on social media, emphasizing the dedication of Shenmue's fanbase. Series creator Yu Suzuki has expressed interest in making Shenmue 4 more accessible to newcomers but needs a publishing partner.

What is Shenmue 4 and why are fans campaigning for it?

Shenmue 4 is the hoped-for sequel in the Shenmue series, which follows the journey of Ryo Hazuki, a teenage martial artist seeking to avenge his father's death in 1980s Japan and China. Despite the long gap between the releases of Shenmue 2 (2001) and Shenmue 3 (2019), fans are eager for another installment to continue the story and explore new gameplay elements.

The original Shenmue series is an action-adventure game that first debuted in 1999. Known for its deep storytelling, intricate world-building, and real-time open-world elements, the franchise has garnered a dedicated fanbase. Despite mixed reviews for Shenmue 3, the passion of its fans is undiminished, as evidenced by their substantial efforts to promote Shenmue 4.