Shenmue 3 PC Exchanges and Refunds to Be Honored Following Epic Store Deal

At E3 last month, it was revealed that Shenmue III would become an Epic Store exclusive for PC.  This rightly sparked outrage for a number of crowdfunding backers that were led to believe that they would be getting a PC Steam code, after all, that was the initial plan by Ys Net.  In its current state, while Epic Store offers a more generous cut of the profits for developers to that of Steam, it is currently missing very basic user-friendly functions such as a shopping basket, customer review sections and more.  But regardless, that is beside the point, because if you were promised something after successfully backing a crowdfunding project, those promises should be fulfilled.

Many PC backers had also rightfully stated that they want refunds following the bait and switch and up until now, it didn’t seem very likely that refunds would be fulfilled.  However, as revealed via a Kickstarter update, backers will be refunded in the near future it seems.  We don’t know when the refund process will begin, but details will be announced in an upcoming update.

 

Ys Net have also stated that PC Steam codes will be honoured, however, backers will have to be extra patient as the one year Epic Store exclusivity deal expires.  In the meantime, if you don’t want to wait the year, you can either have the Epic Store code or you can change it for a PS4 code or physical copy if you wish.  It’s certainly not an ideal situation for PC gamers that wanted Shenmue III on the Steam launcher, but it least there will be a number of options available in the near future.  The process of switching platforms will be done via an upcoming backer survey.

Ys Net also used the update to further justify the bait and switch to the Epic Games Store, stating that the partnership with Deep Silver has contributed greatly towards sales and marketing, while Epic’s money has also contributed towards the developmental process.

Ys Net showed an image detailing how the extra funding has aided development, meaning that some stretch goals that weren’t achieved during the initial Kickstarter campaign, has now been achieved, as detailed via the graphic below.

You can read in further detail on the refunds and exchange process of Shenmue III via the recent Kickstarter update here.