So for those who don’t know Video Gaiden is BBC’s “game department”, they recently started a campaign aiming for a release of Shenmue 3. They contacted Sega regarding the issue and this is what Sega told them!

We got contacted by a member of Sega staff, and we can at least clear some
things up. Despite any rumours, Shenmue III is not at any stage of
development,
and is not in Sega’s plans. “This is hardly an official
statement, but I can
tell you that despite rumours to the contrary, there is
nothing in the works for
Shenmue III. However, SEGA is aware of Shenmue’s
position and the special place
it holds for fans, and we would never
discount the possibility of doing another
one. There is no Shenmue 3 in the
works because Suzuki-san is too busy on
Shenmue online and will be for
another couple of years at least. There is every
possibility that he would
want to do a Shenmue 3, but the general feeling is
that it won’t happen in
the next 3-5 years; or until SEGA reaches it’s current
business goals – That
is to become a top 3 publisher. I’d tell our fans not to
give up hope – but
not to hold their breath either.” That’s it in a nutshell.
While the guy
says that it’s “not an official statement” this is just to keep
him in the
clear with his bosses in Japan. Shenmue III isn’t going to happen
anytime
soon, no matter how much we want it to. I’m gutted that I can’t come out
of
this with something more positive for you all. The thing that annoys me most
is that Sega seem to be suggesting that the only way it will happen is if
Sega’s
fortunes really pick up – but in my opinion Sega are producing some
poor games
these days. The latest Sonic games, for example, are a disgrace.
So does Sega
DESERVE to have their fortunes improved? I dunno. Disappointed.
Anyway, at least
it clears up any bull**** stories (such as the Kikizo one)
about Shenmue III
being “out there” somewhere. Really sorry, guys. Wanted to
tell you first,
because we never had much time to cover it on the show.
Thanks for all the
input. At least now we know where we stand. Sickened…