To be honest, I think the animation project would be cancelled one day in the past two years until the animation actually released this year.
The animation project improve the visibility of Shenmue. After the end of animation, E3 will be the best and last chance to annouce Shenmue IV.
If Shenmue IV not happen in E3, I think Shenmue still will get its ending in other ways, except video games.
I never thought that SEGA will agree the animation project and actually make it happens, maybe SEGA want to do something for Shenmue this year.
The animation project improve the visibility of Shenmue. After the end of animation, E3 will be the best and last chance to annouce Shenmue IV.
If Shenmue IV not happen in E3, I think Shenmue still will get its ending in other ways, except video games.
I never thought that SEGA will agree the animation project and actually make it happens, maybe SEGA want to do something for Shenmue this year.