Shenmue 3, the upcoming long-awaited sequel to the adventure series, just went through big controversy because of the PC version’s seemingly last minute exclusive deal with Epic. While the situation was about halfway resolved, it still left a lot of fans unhappy. Well, now here’s something to make PC and PS4 backers both a little less happy, as now it’s been confirmed that backers of the original Kickstarter will not get the season pass or preorder bonuses.
A user on gaming forum ResetERA who backed the game sent in an inquiry to developer Ys Net, and they got a response that no tier of backers will have access to any content from the Deluxe Edition or any of the bonus material you get from preordering.
“Standard and deluxe versions released through retail sales are not affiliated with the crowdfunding campaign, so will not be included with backer pledges, however, they will be available for sale separately,” the response reads. “Kickstarter Backers will receive the Kickstarter version, Slacker Backers will receive the Slacker Backer version. Both have unique content respective to their versions not available in the retail versions.
“A season pass is not included.”
While, to be fair, unlike the Epic Games Store situation, there was never anything explicitly stating that backers would receive that (the season pass and preorder bonuses were announced long after the Kickstarter), some were crossing their fingers it would be included, particularly to those who backed at the higher tiers. Alas, it is not the case.
Shenmue 3 will release for PlayStation 4 and PC on November 19th.