An episodic approach?.

[jasonorme666]

What if Shenmue IV went for an episodic approach, for example, like the telltale game series?.

Smaller chapters, but released more frequently and purchased individually or as a "season pass".

I personally think this might be a more interesting and financial approach to such a long and large scale game.

The only pitfalls I thought about would be players could hoard money between episode released or max out their stats (if that system was continued with), but then I guess you could do this in Shenmue 3 already.

 

[TwiceFriedRice]

I like it. And it might mean they can flesh the story and characters out more since it will be more focused, as opposed to Shenmue 3.

 

[kaliskonig91]

I'd prefer it. Bailu, Chobu, and Baisha could have all been something more story wise maybe if this was the approach.

 

[Quiksylver]

Sounds great! Definetly be up for that.

 

[Revan]

I’d be up for it, provided it got a physical Complete Edition release after each season like the Hitman reboot.

 

[jasonorme666]

I personally see this as the most logical step. It would allow Yu to do what he does best, obsess over small details.

 

[jsh020]

Ehhh I don't see that working out too well, I just get flashbacks to the utterly excellent hitman 2016, which bombed because of that format.

 

[adrenaline]

Episodic content forces them to stretch their marketing budget over time. Gamers have a habit of buying in early and then a sizable amount forgetting about the game as new content is released. I think the current format makes the most sense.