Shenmue fans are still eagerly awaiting the third game's release, but they'll be glad to know that it doesn't have to end there. Shenmue 3 producer Yu Suzuki has openly expressed that the third game won't be the definitive ending to the series, paving the way for a potential fourth game.

Speaking with GamersFlag, Suzuki sat down to discuss the progress of the development of Shenmue 3. When asked if the game's ending would allow for the possibility of a sequel, Suzuki replied, "Yes, the end will be open for a sequel. It will not be possible to finish with this third episode."

For long-time fans, this probably doesn't come as much of a surprise. Suzuki has openly spoken on his eagerness to produce a fourth Shenmue game, which means players have only seen half the story he dreamed up so far.

Since Shenmue 3 has been delayed, players don't know yet just what's in store for them. However, the outrageous response to the announcement of the game back at E3 2015 means that if Shenmue 3 is good, fans will undoubtedly be willing to gobble up a fourth. Shenmue 3 blew away previous Kickstarter records, gathering the requested $2 million in just a matter of 9 hours. Even if Shenmue 4 needed a similar Kickstarter fundraising effort to get off the ground, chances are fans would go out of their way to support it.

If Shenmue 3 is as big and beautiful as Yu Suzuki previously promised, fans should be eager for a fourth game the moment they finish the third. Some anxiety has plagued Shenmue fans regarding the appearance of the game, but Suzuki remains confident that players will be happy with the finished product. Gamers will have to wait and see if the game holds up to over a decade's worth of expectations when it releases later this year.

Shenmue 3 is set to release for PC and PS4 in 2018.

Source: GamersFlag (via Comicbook)