25 years ago, Shenmue from SEGA-AM2 and Yu Suzuki was released and in one motion showed the world what the future of gaming could be. Even today games still take inspiration from Shenmue (See Cyberpunk 2077) and the path it tread so that others could take the ball and run with it.
Shenmue not only changed gaming, it changed lives. Be it inspiring people to set-up schools, visit Guilin, move to Japan or even this website. It has had a profound impact on so many people over the last 25 years.
As always, there will be a portion of gaming that looks at the negatives with Shenmue. Be it the development costs, pacing, mechanics or even personal preference, which is perfectly fine. But to this community, to gaming history, to industry stalwarts, Shenmue represents a change of the status quo, a line in the sand. A moment that changed everything.
For that very reason and many others, Shenmue is a game that will always hold a place close to our hearts. With the future of the series seemingly looking bright once more, we all look forward to many more years of Shenmue! Thank you to everyone who has supported this franchise, past, present and in the future. Without you we would not be where we are now!
Fan Tributes
Taken from our forums and social media channels, here’s a number of messages from Shenmue fans:
If I were to best describe it into words, it would be anemoia in videogame form, that nostalgic feeling for a time you’ve never known, which would be 80s Japan to me. And that yearning is always there whenever I think of Shenmue. – Guppy
On the surface, to me it means SEGA AM2. Deep in, one of the few coming-of-age journeys that I experienced in videogame form. – Seaman
I think Shenmue signified the end of the good years of video games as Sega AM2 was the definition of fun video games. – ATAedan
The fact that the world was alive in the background, with NPCs following their own timetable, and how much detail was put into the little things (Being able to pick up and view objects, the details of the objects themselves etc) really captivated me. I thought that was incredible. Not to mention the very likeable cast of characters. Looking back now, I honestly believe that both Shenmue 1 and Shenmue 2 were very much ahead of their time. – FanManElvis
Gaming was always part of my life. But Shenmue is more than a game. It is a passion and a deeply felt level of emotions that inspired my love for story based games to this day – Matt Oliver
To me at the time Shenmue was everything I dreamt games could one day become. – Hazuki-San
At the time, Shenmue was unique. What other game allowed you to interact with other people, buy a soda, knock on people’s doors or play arcade games? Truly a great experience that live in our memories forever. – Cyberman
I was in middle school. I heard about it from gaming magazines. Got it for Christmas. Talked about it in school after break with another kid who also got Shenmue. We became great friends and still hang out to this day. I was best man at his wedding – Aimless_Gamer – on X
I could write an entire essay, and still wouldn’t be able to project how unique the experience of playing Shenmue 1 & 2 as a youth was. It is as powerful as any of my Christmas or holiday memories. And the only thing I can see now is that I’m beyond grateful to have experienced it. – Artmancer404 – on X
I remember getting lost in the world. It felt like every corner held a new secret and every conversation could unlock a new adventure. – brainwabrain – on X
#Shenmue means a lot to me because of the lessons, morals, and values it taught me about life and the world. No game has ever come close to being as highly detailed and attention filled as #Shenmue. Ryo as a main character continues to inspire me every single day. – Shenmue Village
From the start the games showed unprecedented ambition, vision, interactivity and technical performance. An epic tale of mystery, honour, of Ryo slowly learning and coming of age. Meeting vibrant new characters in each episode. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next! – Nick Hughes – on X
Full thread can be found by clicking this message
Forum Topic: https://www.shenmuedojo.com/forum/index.php?threads/what-does-shenmue-mean-to-you.417/
Community Tribute Video
Releasing at 7pm GMT we hear from industry legends, actors, youtubers and more in this tribute to the series.
Thank you to… Steve Lycett, Lewis Cox, Josh Fairhurst, David ‘KC’ Luis, Adam Sipione, Adam Koralik, Manny ‘Magnus’ Garcia, James Brown and Eric Kelso for taking the time to contribute to this video!
