If you backed Shenmue III and you weren’t happy about the Epic Games Store exclusivity that Deep Silver and Ys Net signed, then you do have an option to request a refund, even if it was four years ago. However, there’s a catch: you can only request a refund through the backer survey.

The news about the refunds came via a post over on the Kickstarter project page, where on September 5th, 2019 Ys Net revealed how backers would finally be able to request a refund. In the post, it states…

“Refunds will be honored for backers who had selected a PC version and are not satisfied with the proposed reward options.

 

“[…] Refund requests will be accepted only through the backer survey during the survey period. Processing details will be announced at the start of the survey period.

 

“Refund processing timing may vary depending on payment service and transaction status. It may take up to 20 business days to 3 months from the time the refund request is made until the refund transaction is completed.

 

“We promise to proceed with refund request processing promptly and reliably, however, due to the fact that the campaign is now 4 years on, along with the complexity of the transactions and payment service system arrangements, we ask for your understanding that processing times may vary depending on individual transaction circumstances.”

So what is this survey they’re talking about? Well, the backer survey will be administered at some point in mid-September, and it will be going out from Fangamer to all of the current backers of Shenmue III.

There will be a link in the e-mail from Fangamer for the survey where backers will be able to request refunds for the game… but only the PC version.

Also, you will only have two weeks to fill out the survey. After that period is up the survey will be taken down.

You will only be able to make changes to your desired platform and request a refund during the period where the survey is active. After that, everything will be locked into place.

Some in-game backer rewards also may not be removed from the game by the time Shenmue III releases. In the post they explain…

“The possibility is high that in-game rewards for backers who requested a refund may not be removed from the game. We ask for your understanding that production of in-game rewards has been well underway and that changing implemented content is difficult at this stage of development.

 

“Survey system changes are currently undergoing final checks. An update will be posted with notification of the survey start. The wait will be just a little longer and your patience is appreciated.”

This has been an ongoing issue for Deep Silver and Ys Net since June.

Initially there was massive backlash following the game becoming an Epic Games Store exclusive in June. Deep Silver had also denied backer refunds, but by July they reversed their position following more backlash and threats of a lawsuit, saying that they would reassess the refund situation.

Fast forward to September and now they’re offering limited refunds for PC backers and only through the backer survey.

It’s a slap in the face of gamers who simply want to refund the project since the game is coming but it’s not delivering what was promised: gamers expected Steam keys, they don’t want Epic Games Store keys. It seems like simple math but apparently everything in today’s age has to be complicated with machinations and anti-consumer antics that turn people irascible and angry.

Anyway, Shenmue III is due for release on November 19th, 2019 for home consoles and PC.

(Thanks for the news tip Alistair)