Last week, a trailer for Shenmue 4 circulated online, stirring up excitement among fans. Unfortunately, it turned out to be unofficial. Ys Net, the studio involved, announced they are looking into legal action against the uploader.
In their social media post, Ys Net clarified that the trailer, which lasted over four minutes, has “absolutely no connection” to them. The video used their logo “without permission,” misleading viewers into thinking it was an official release.
Ys Net stated, “The unauthorized use of our logo constitutes a serious issue that may amount to trademark infringement.” They are now preparing legal measures and working with relevant parties on the matter.
Although Ys Net doesn’t own the Shenmue intellectual property—Sega does—they apologized for any confusion the fake trailer caused. The announcement was particularly important since fans have been eagerly anticipating Shenmue 4. In fact, last year, dedicated supporters even rented a billboard in New York’s Times Square to advocate for a new installment.
The trailer depicted Ryo, the game’s protagonist, engaging in various mundane tasks like washing dishes and arm wrestling. Many viewers were skeptical from the start, given that the video originated from an unknown YouTube account with few subscribers.
Shenmue 3 made waves when it was released in 2019. Critics praised its nostalgic charm. One review described it as “a bewitching time capsule” that connects players to late 80s China and the evolution of video games.
This incident highlights the importance of verified content online. With misinformation spreading easily, fans can be misled. As gaming grows, so do the challenges of maintaining authenticity in digital spaces.
For more on the Shenmue series and its impact on gaming culture, check out this [Eurogamer article](https://www.eurogamer.net/shenmue-3-review) on Shenmue 3.
