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Shenmue III is shipping now for Kickstarter backers it seems
- Thread starter Metalgus
- Start date
I think I'm getting an artbook, that sounds like something I wanted. Maybe capsule toys? I honestly forget, I really only wanted the game (which I loved) so anything else that arrives now is just a nice bonus.
why in the actual hell did it take until months after the game's launch for stuff to get to backers.
they had four human years to manufacture this stuff. were they counting on getting extra backer money after they secured publishing? i do not understand.
they had four human years to manufacture this stuff. were they counting on getting extra backer money after they secured publishing? i do not understand.
Happens on all Kickstarters, but I don't know. This really isn't that long. Mighty No.9's extras took way longer to make their way to me (not to mention some comical errors along the way) and Bloodstained was the same case. Don't even get me started on how long Muv Love took to get some of its backer stuff released...
part of it is that if they're offering the rewards, they would know the cost of goods from the onset, which means there should have been staff on hand or a company hired that would handle this for them. in this case, it appears it could have been fangamer - or it might have just been fangamer handling the shipping process in the us. if it was fangamer then it's even worse because making merch and shipping them is the one thing they do.
Same here, I had to go on the website to see what to expect to receive... kind of underwhelming how long it took! I would have expected to get the extras first since they are easier to make than a videogame
Except for the PC version, which has just been thoroughly bungled, the timeline is acceptable, as far as these things go.
Assuming the "or later" doesn't get stretched out too far.
It always sucks when backers are the ones who have to wait the longest, and very long, to get their CE stuff. Just the nature of it a lot of the time. Kickstarter developers tend to be inexperienced with or otherwise not equipped to handle the production and logistics, or it'd cost too much to hire enough people to handle it for them. Or something or other. Publishers have everything set up and just poop stuff out. So those CE's are out months or years before you get your stuff. Doesn't feel great.
So it is of some importance that the stuff you eventually do get, is good stuff. So let's hope for that. I have low expectations though, based on the "Exclusive backer-only case"...
And I expected we'd get all the stuff in some manner of swanky box, as is customary, but it sounds like that might not be the case, and we'll get some item(s) per month and will just have to gradually put all of it in a cardboard box we've written "Shenmue III Kickstarter Collector's Edition" on with a sharpie. :\
They didn't detail things by tier in this update, so guess I'll do that for myself.
$300 Tier - Signed Kickstarter Collector's Edition
Mid to late January 2020
Yu Suzuki Signed Illustration
Early February 2020
Physical CD Soundtrack
Shenmue III Official T-Shirt
March 2020 or later
Physical Artbook
Capsule Toys
Assuming the "or later" doesn't get stretched out too far.
It always sucks when backers are the ones who have to wait the longest, and very long, to get their CE stuff. Just the nature of it a lot of the time. Kickstarter developers tend to be inexperienced with or otherwise not equipped to handle the production and logistics, or it'd cost too much to hire enough people to handle it for them. Or something or other. Publishers have everything set up and just poop stuff out. So those CE's are out months or years before you get your stuff. Doesn't feel great.
So it is of some importance that the stuff you eventually do get, is good stuff. So let's hope for that. I have low expectations though, based on the "Exclusive backer-only case"...
And I expected we'd get all the stuff in some manner of swanky box, as is customary, but it sounds like that might not be the case, and we'll get some item(s) per month and will just have to gradually put all of it in a cardboard box we've written "Shenmue III Kickstarter Collector's Edition" on with a sharpie. :\
They didn't detail things by tier in this update, so guess I'll do that for myself.
$300 Tier - Signed Kickstarter Collector's Edition
Mid to late January 2020
Yu Suzuki Signed Illustration
Early February 2020
Physical CD Soundtrack
Shenmue III Official T-Shirt
March 2020 or later
Physical Artbook
Capsule Toys
I want to comment again, as I had a few times, on someone who has back a large number of Kickstarters (and I'm still waiting on one from summer 2014....) As said above, a lot of Kickstarter devs are really bad at organizing these things, especially with production/logistics/issues with items being sent to certain countries that have problematic customs.
If anyone has seen the situation with Baby Yoda, you can see that to avoid spoilers, production on merch didn't start until fairly recently, taking months before any of the finished products will end up on shelves. Emails, the back and forth and production with these things are NOT FUN and take a lot of time (I've seen it first hand). That being an example of ONE item. When you have products all probably coming from different companies/factories, like a box, pressed disc, plush/figure, other goodies, and being a small company trying to print several thousand-a couple million for backers? It can be a logistical nightmare!
In most cases, I can see most groups just wanting to send everything COMPLETED in one package. It's just easier with that sheer amount of people. On occasion if there's only a few thousand backers, stuff sometimes goes out separately. But why take so long? Well, in the case of the OST, the music normally gets composed at the end of game development, I believe? So the game would need to be almost done for that to be done. Then contact a company about printing discs, creating the cover art, getting that printed, etc... With the artbook, a lot of the finalized drawings/CG scenes/whatever wouldn't be done until later either. Things like t-shirts? It's probably a case of it just being more practical to toss in the box than just send out individually (shipping gets VERY expensive globally, especially if items go out individually...)
That's just a look of "where's my stuff and why couldn't it be done sooner??" 'Inexperience' mentioned at the above quote, better sums it up. Like I said, I have a ton of KS physical goodies that I'm still waiting on... one day... one year... >_>
Warning! KS OST download is limited to 3 max although the file size is 112MB and the download link expires at 19 May 2020
Shenmue III KS Update #127 Thursday 9th January 2020
Shenmue III KS Update #128 Tuesday 21st January 2020
No update from Ys Net regarding January timeline fulfillment. Sorry PC folks. Printing the Epic installer disk is too complicated.
Code:
Physical reward fulfillment timeline
Mid to late January 2020
Illustration
Yu Suzuki Signed Illustration
Concept Character Bust
Early February 2020
Physical CD Soundtrack
Shenmue III Official T-Shirt
March 2020 or later
Physical Artbook
Capsule Toys
Ryo's Jacket - Replica
Physical PC package and disk production has been delayed. Fulfillment is now expected for early February 2020.Shenmue III KS Update #128 Tuesday 21st January 2020
No update from Ys Net regarding January timeline fulfillment. Sorry PC folks. Printing the Epic installer disk is too complicated.
Keep in mind stuff will probably be delayed even further if these items are being printed near Wuhan. I've already had previous Kickstarters announce delays due to this.
I kind of forgot that I haven't received any of this stuff yet.
Was supposed to have gotten the signed illustration in January. And "early February" is slipping away.
Or wait, that's when they were supposed to have shipped the items.
I have low expectations, but am still prepared to be disappointed.
I think that perhaps potentially the actual items might be ok, but in terms of delivery and presentation; maybe by like August at the earliest will I have received all the items, and I expect them to just be in like bubble-wrapped plastic bags.
W
Or wait, that's when they were supposed to have shipped the items.
I have low expectations, but am still prepared to be disappointed.
I think that perhaps potentially the actual items might be ok, but in terms of delivery and presentation; maybe by like August at the earliest will I have received all the items, and I expect them to just be in like bubble-wrapped plastic bags.
Warning! KS OST download is limited to 3 max although the file size is 112MB and the download link expires at 19 May 2020
Received email regarding the shipment of Signed Illustration.
Code:
Physical reward fulfillment timeline
Mid to late January 2020
Illustration
Yu Suzuki Signed Illustration
Concept Character Bust
Early February 2020
Physical CD Soundtrack
Shenmue III Official T-Shirt
March 2020 or later
Physical Artbook
Capsule Toys
Ryo's Jacket - Replica
Physical PC package and disk production has been delayed. Fulfillment is now expected for early February 2020.
Who gets the signed illustration? I had the Chibi You reward that included the guest book signing, I got an email saying my signed illustration has shipped?...
You definitely get the illustration.
Signed illustration starts at $300.
KS rewards up to $500
$5 (invalid)
*This reward will be included in all higher rewards.
*All higher Rewards with have the International phone card (in-game item) Reward included.
$5 (invalid)
- Yu Suzuki's thanks and praise.
- Be able to participate in surveys and vote in polls for the ideas you want to see in the game.
- Digital copy of Shenmue 3 for PC or PS4.
- Includes the $5 Reward.
*This reward will be included in all higher rewards.
- Kickstarter exclusive Shenmue III desktop wallpaper set. The wallpapers will feature the Real Deal Ryo & Sure as Sugar Shenhua - the perfect models of our heroes as they were always imagined to be!
- Your name on the official Shenmue III website.
- Includes the $29 Reward.
- Physical copy of Shenmue 3 in an exclusive, backer-only case (PC only).
- Includes the $5 Reward.
- Physical copy of Shenmue 3 in an exclusive, backer-only case (PS4).
- Includes the $5 Reward.
*All higher Rewards with have the International phone card (in-game item) Reward included.
- International phone card (in-game item)
- Includes the $60 Reward.
- Choose one of the following: 1. PS4 Physical Copy 2. PS4 Digital Copy 3. Windows PC Physical Copy 4. Windows PC Digital Copy.
- Digital copy of the Trial version for PC
- Your name in the credits.
- Includes the $5 Reward.
- International phone card (in-game item)
- One of four random figures: Ryo, Shenhua, Chai or the Forklift. (Actual figures may differ from the concept images)
- Includes the $100 Reward.
- Backer-only Advanced Technique Scroll (In-game Item)
- 20 Capsule Toy Tickets (In-game Item)
- Mp3 download of the original soundtrack with unreleased tracks
- Digital artbook filled with unreleased illustrations
- Shenmue 3 T-shirt
- Includes the $120 Reward
- Printed artbook curated by Yu Suzuki
- Includes the $160 Reward
- Illustration
- Backer-only Arcane Technique Scroll (In-game Item)
- Skin-change feature for Ryo's Jacket (In-game Item)
- Physical CD soundtrack
- Includes the $175 Reward
- Illustration signed by Yu Suzuki
- Backer-only Arcane Technique Scroll (In-game Item)
- Skin-change feature for Ryo's Jacket (In-game Item)
- Physical CD soundtrack
- Includes the $175 Reward
- Get all four figures: Ryo, Shenhua, Chai and the Forklift
- Includes the $300 Reward
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I have yet to ever receive any physical goods from Fangamer, not only for Shenmue III. Starting to wonder if they're just a fraud. Will never pledge for physical goods again if they're involved.
It was never clear to me what gets added, on my tier it just says inc $600 Guestbook, but if that means I'll get the stuff below, then that's great.
I'm sure I got the wallpapers in my reward section on Fangamer.
Wonder what I'll get first, the Kickstarter Exclusive experience of picking up kind of random pieces of Shenmue 3 stuff at a service location through the year until I've collected them all and can dump them in a generic plastic container to complete my Kickstarter Collector's Edition.
Or the Dreamfall box I've been waiting on for LITERALLY SEVEN YEARS.
Crowdfunding man. I am quite done with it.
So far, I've received about 82% of the things I've backed. And maybe with 18% of those there's been some kind of calamity or another. Whether it's extreme delays, third parties interfering, the Creative Director turning out to be someone you'd rather not support, the game just turning out naff. All kinds of things can happen. So it's like 67/33 whether it's been a smooth, positive experience or not. And there's the element of thousands of games existing anyway, don't really need to risk my money to make games happen.
Or the Dreamfall box I've been waiting on for LITERALLY SEVEN YEARS.
Crowdfunding man. I am quite done with it.
So far, I've received about 82% of the things I've backed. And maybe with 18% of those there's been some kind of calamity or another. Whether it's extreme delays, third parties interfering, the Creative Director turning out to be someone you'd rather not support, the game just turning out naff. All kinds of things can happen. So it's like 67/33 whether it's been a smooth, positive experience or not. And there's the element of thousands of games existing anyway, don't really need to risk my money to make games happen.
The illustrations are quite nice. The busts look good, too. Same ones in the Shenmue documentaries.
Someone gifted me Shenmue 3 as a semi gag gift. (It'll come one day). The fact the physical box still hasn't shipped is hilarious.
Did you ever contact them directly? I personally have never had any issues with receiving my items from the Mighty no 9 or Bloodstained KS. I don't think you can call it "fraud" if fewer than most people did not receive their items. Could be other things like location and such as well.
I have contacted them multiple times for the different KS rewards, with what seems like nearly automated replies from them only.
Actually just got an email saying they have sent me the signed poster for Shenmue III, so that's a step in the right direction.
I had low expectations and had considered the possibility that this could happen when I noticed it was shipped from the US, but I still wasn't prepared for it to actually happen.
Got a notification from customs. I need to pay to receive my rewards...
Which of course is extra fun when there's 3-5 packages. Probably around $30-50 total, possibly more.
What a fucking shitshow. I'm actually angry now.
Let's find out what Fangamer's customer support is like...
*****
Well they answered quickly, but not with what I wanted to hear. Made sense to contact Fangamer first since they're who sent the thing, but that's basically all they were responsible for, not who's to blame here. Ys Net is to blame. Ys Net opted for a US company, didn't bother having them compensate for import fees where applicable.
Well let's see if one can reach Ys Net.
*****
Ys Net sucks.
Thought maybe they'd have some goodwill for the people who funded and believed in them, but they don't seem to give a shit.
Wish I could go back to 2015 and tell myself not to back this game.
Seriously, it's been dismal. They ruined the would-be merry leadup to launch by reneging platform availability. And now they're ruining the delivery of the supposed rewards by making me pay to receive them. The valued backer experience. Absolutely miserable. They took the immense goodwill that was present as the Kickstarter campaign was announced and managed to thoroughly squash it. Good job. A+.
Fangamer has been ok though.
If you're in my position you can contact them to have all items sent in a single shipment, with the hope of minimizing the fee total. Will obviously delay the shipment until all items are ready. But that's kind of preferable in a way. Only one trip and charge, get all the stuff at once. I want it that way.
No.
You could ask Ys Net. They do at least seem to reply.
[email protected]
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Physical PC package and disk production has been delayed. Fulfillment is now expected for early February 2020.
Any word on that?
Any word on that?
I just sent them an e-mail. If they respond, I will post their replay.
Yep, packages going out. This was the response sent to me:
"Hello,
The PC packages are now currently going out. You should be receiving a shipping notice from Fangamer when ready. You may also check the "Shipments" section of your survey for confirmation and the tracking number.
Just as a reminder, the disk does not contain the game data. The game product code is claimed through the "Downloads and Download Codes" section of your survey.
We apologize again for the delays and thank you for your continued patience and support.
Best Regards,
Joel & the Shenmue III Team"
"Hello,
The PC packages are now currently going out. You should be receiving a shipping notice from Fangamer when ready. You may also check the "Shipments" section of your survey for confirmation and the tracking number.
Just as a reminder, the disk does not contain the game data. The game product code is claimed through the "Downloads and Download Codes" section of your survey.
We apologize again for the delays and thank you for your continued patience and support.
Best Regards,
Joel & the Shenmue III Team"
...I don't think I ever got an email on my stuff, have they started shipping out the artbook level stuff?
Doubtful. Most artbooks etc. seem to be printed in China, so other Kickstarters I backed, along with Limited Run Games have stated such delays for these. I wouldn't expect them for a while.
Clearly. Just got the shipping notification this morning.
They even sent a followup e-mail after I thanked them for the update.
Sorry, I haven't been keeping up to date with this at all. I backed Shenmue III for $300 and so far I've gotten the game at launch (obviously) and a signed poster about two weeks ago or so. Is that normal?
Yes. As most Kickstarters go, they try to get the game out first, with other extra goods coming soon, so it doesn't disrupt getting the game out ASAP. Right now with factories closing in China, expect delays for things like the artbooks and other materials, since many goods come from there.
Thanks for the heads up. I don't mind waiting, I was just a little concerned that they might have forgotten all the other stuff I'm due!
I saw this thread get bumps and I still can't believe some of y'all have not gotten your game yet
Just got an update today saying they have a schedule now finally for the physical goods.
Wow.
Looks like one of those "self printed" bootleg stuff you can buy from China.
To be honest, I think the Chinese stuff would have better quality.
Wow.
Looks like one of those "self printed" bootleg stuff you can buy from China.
I'm sorry, but that's not right.
You would think that the backer version would've a bit more creative flare than the retail version.