Shenmue III: Keiji Okayasu Returning as Subdirector
A major staff member for the original Shenmue is returning for the highly anticipated Shenmue III. In an update on the game’s Kickstarter page, Ys Net revealed that SubDirector Keiji Okayasu, who worked on the original Shenmue game, is returning to work on Shenmue III.
Okayasu also served on the staff for Shenmue III. You can check out the video interview Ys Net released with Okayasu at the above link. He will work as the subdirector for Shenmue III as well.
Speaking on his addition to the staff, he stated: “I have just recently joined the team. I thought I would be another fan waiting excitedly for the release, but as it is, I get to once again be a part of the team. Of course I want to help finish the game, and do it so the fans will be satisfied. That means making it interesting for everyone who played I and II, and everyone who will be experiencing Shenmue for the first time.”
He added: “What I personally want to stress for my part, is what makes Shenmue, Shenmue. The game has an utterly unique atmosphere, and I want that all to be breathed in. As you play along, you feel the ambiance, the milieu, from place to place, getting that full sensory experience. It is about that natural… atmosphere, as best as I can call it, because Shenmue is a game where that is so important. With Shenmue III, that aspect will not be disregarded, and I will keep it alive and well as we continue development.”
Shenmue III is scheduled for a 2017 release. The game is scheduled for a PlayStation 4 and Windows PC release.