‘Shenmue 3’ Screenshots Show Kickstarter Backers Their Money Is Being Put To Use [PHOTOS]

We have the first in-development screenshot from Shenmue 3 thanks to the Magic Monaco Conference.

Shiyuba Productions released three images from Yu Suzuki’s Kickstarter-funded game. The Shenmue 3 screenshots show Ryo Hazuki and Shenhua Ling standing in front of what appears to be a river. Magic Monaco Conference attendees were quick to share the images on Twitter. Check out how far the Shenmue 3 development has come in the photos below.

Shenmue 3 raised more than $6.5 million in backer donations through Kickstarter and their Slacker Backer campaign via Paypal. Shenmue was originally released on the Sega Dreamcast and the franchise never had the opportunity to finish Hazuki’s story until now.

While most Shenmue fans were excited to donate to the franchise’s revival, the Kickstarter campaign didn’t come without controversy. Most recently, Suzuki was criticized for announcing the Slacker Backer donors would not receive the Kickstarter exclusive rewards despite already promising the gift on their donation page. Learn more about the Shenmue 3 controversy here.

There is no set release date for Shenmue 3, but the game is expected to launch some time in 2017.