If you saw the Shenmue 4 trailer that went viral recently and were hoping it was leading to an announcement, then you’re going to be disappointed. Ys Net, the studio founded by Shenmue creator Yu Suzuki, has issued a statement condemning the trailer as a fake while also hinting that it may take legal action against the trailer’s creator.
In a post on social media, Ys Net said the fake Shenmue 4 trailer “uses our company logo without permission, falsely giving the impression that is an official Shenmue 4 related video produced by us.” The statement adds that there have been no official Shenmue 4 materials released, and that the studio is “currently working with relevant parties and preparing appropriate measures, including potential legal action” against the creator of the trailer.
— YS NET Inc. (@YSNET_Inc) December 8, 2025
The original Shenmue was released in 1999 on Sega Dreamcast, and it cast players as a young man, Ryo Hazuki, as he sought to avenge his father’s death. The game had innovative takes on open-world gameplay and quicktime events that proved to be very influential in the video game industry. Shenmue 2 followed in 2001, but the franchise went on hiatus due to low sales.
It’s always disappointing to see misinformation spread, especially when it involves something as beloved as Shenmue. It’s great to hear that the studio is taking action to protect their work. Here’s hoping for some exciting news from them soon!
I completely agree; it’s frustrating when excitement is built up over false information. It’s interesting to note how quickly fan communities can rally around a project, which shows just how hopeful everyone is for Shenmue 4. Hopefully, the studio can clarify things soon!
It’s definitely disappointing when hype is generated from something that isn’t real. It’s also a reminder of the importance of verifying sources before getting too invested. The gaming community is so passionate, and it’s unfortunate when misinformation leads to disappointment.