YS Net has come around with a new Shenmue 3 update regarding refunds and PC option revision in update 114#. The controversial game that is Shenmue 3 is set to release for PC via the Epic Games Store, PS4, and Xbox One on November 19th, 2019
After the whole Epic Games Store switch and after the promise of a Steam release, many Shenmue 3 fans turned on YS Net for its egregious move.
Given that Epic Games Store exclusives and Kickstarter projects can make anything very sticky, it paves way for a nasty recipe, one of which YS Net and Deep Silver fulfilled with Shenmue 3.
After the outrage regarding the “no refunds” policy for those who wanted a Steam key, Ys Net has backtracked on the refund issue and offered the following info via update 114#:
“PC Option Revision
Please note the following revision concerning PC option availability.
In the previous Update On PC Version Rewards, the following option for the PC (Epic Games Store) version was announced:
“If selecting either the PC Physical or PC Digital version, an option to also receive a Steam key one year later will be available.”
As negotiations with Valve are ongoing, we are not able to make a firm commitment at this point concerning the availability of the Steam keys.
Requests for Steam keys will be accepted through the survey, however, there is the possibility that Steam keys will ultimately not be distributed depending on negotiations with Valve. An announcement will be posted in the updates with the outcome of the negotiations.
We apologize for this revision to the previously stated PC option.”
The letter later covers details on the ability to refund the game, which backers who had already selected the PC version of Shenmue 3 (at the time of survey resend) are eligible for a refund. Refund requests will be accepted only through the backer survey during the survey period:
“Refund Eligibility and Details
Refund Eligibility
Backers who had already selected a PC version of the game at the time of survey resend will be eligible for a refund. Please note that backers who selected a PS4 version will not be eligible.
Refund Processing
Refund requests will be accepted only through the backer survey during the survey period.
Refund processing timing may vary depending on payment service and transaction status. It may take 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.
The update also covers how in-game rewards for backers who request a refund are planned to be removed, but some people may encounter instances where removal may not be possible. Also, the fulfillment of Kickstarter backers refunds are going to be through PayPal:
Refunds and In-game Rewards
In-game rewards for backers who request a refund are planned to be removed, however, there may be instances where removal may not be possible. 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.
Payment Services for Refund Transaction
Kickstarter backers will be refunded through PayPal. A PayPal account will be necessary to transact the refund. We kindly ask your cooperation and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Slacker Backers and upgrade/add-on purchases will be refunded either through PayPal or Softbank Payment, depending on your original payment service selection.”
Back in late August, Yu Suzuki (over YS Net) wants to make the next Shenmue game but needs Shenmue 3 to sale well despite pocketing Tim Sweeney’s money. In other words, we’ll see after all of this mess with Shenmue 3′s Kickstarter campaign if a fourth installment will come to fruition.
