"Most importantly, in looking for the most enjoyable experience on PC, it was decided together with Deep Silver after much discussion that the Epic Games Store would be the best distribution platform option."

I'm gonna have to echo other people's reaction and say that they were clearly only looking after their own "enjoyment" if they can say that with a straight face.

I'm with you bro. I dished out 150 € during the kickstarter campaign and with the wonderful evolution of DXVK I hoped that I could play it. Even if they are exclusive to the Epic store, decision I understand from a business POV but anti-consumer nonetheless, they could go the Exodus way and provide a Steam key for those who are asking for it, or better, provide a DRM free version for early backer.

What's pissing me off is that I paid double the price of the game to support them 'cause I'm a big fan of the originals and I wanted it to happen, I don't care seeing my name in the credits I gave them a fake name. First time & last time I support something on Kickstarter or equivalent.

If they don't change their mind and grant a refund or a Steam Key, I will switch my order to a PS4 copy and sell it, I won't play it, I won't even pirate it, I won't download their fu**ing Epic Store and it won't change my life only just 100 quids less in my wallet.

Keep me posted on your journey, if you need backup do not hesitate, go to the Shenmue Kickstarter comments page some are already taking action and are giving links to file a complaint.

By the way, something funny, the page is still up : https://store.steampowered.com/app/878670/Shenmue_III/

Just a thought, since it's developed on the Unreal engine, could Epic give a big fat discount on their licensing fees to gain exclusivity ?

I'm not sure the exact reasons as of why, but their actions should be illegal. Their HR team is also dodging the bullet with all questions, which it doesn't help. The Steam page is still up because I have the feeling it might be an Epic exclusive but only temporarily, hence Ys Net not giving refunds. It could be in their contract not to disclosure that until given some time.

This is a very bad decision from Deep Silver because they will create a lot of disgruntled. If only they had announced this from the beginning. But here it is a capital change after raising the money .... a very bad marketing decision, their image will suffer as well as that of Kickstarter at the same time since people who are unhappy will not be reimbursed.

Quoting: GuestI do not expect gamers to stick to a boycott because they would eventually feel mistreated by a publisher. Or they would not have accepted stuff like pre-orders or paying to be beta-testers.

Ha ha ha!

Yeah, they're not going to hate the company twice as much as anyone else after having their trust and support turned against them.

Apparently they will provide refunds and other options to backers:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ysnet/shenmue-3/posts/2553891?ref=activity

https://twitter.com/TimSweeneyEpic/status/1146103878540308481

QuoteEpic is funding the cost of all Kickstarter refunds resulting from Shenmue III’s move to the Epic Games store, so that refunds won’t reduce Ys Net’s development funding.

And

QuoteWhen future games go Epic-exclusive after offering crowdfunding rewards on other PC stores, we’ll either coordinate with colleagues at the other stores to ensure key availability in advance, or guarantee refunds at announcement time.

Smooth wolf in sheep clothes PR move from Epic in the sense " You see ? We're not so bad." bullshit. Nonetheless, the refund is a good measure, it feels like we've been heard and maybe they will REALLY avoid this type of behavior in the future.

Maybe I'm wrong, Is there a technical difficulty to create a batch of Steam keys for backers asking for it two whole months from release ? I don't get it, I feel like I'm betrayed and manipulated or maybe there's something I'm missing.

Quoting: TobyGornowSmooth wolf in sheep clothes PR move from Epic in the sense " You see ? We're not so bad." bullshit. Nonetheless, the refund is a good measure, it feels like we've been heard and maybe they will REALLY avoid this type of behavior in the future.

Maybe I'm wrong, Is there a technical difficulty to create a batch of Steam keys for backers asking for it two whole months from release ? I don't get it, I feel like I'm betrayed and manipulated or maybe there's something I'm missing.

From what I understand, Steam won't allow keys for this sort of thing if the game is not launching on Steam at the actual launch date.

Quotecolleagues at the other stores

*Sensible chuckle*

I'm sure they're right chummy with the other stores they're locking out of selling high-profile games.