A fan responsible for the viral, but unofficial, Shenmue 4 trailer has released a formal apology following YS Net’s statement confirming that the widely circulated video had no connection to the studio. The creator shared the message through a video posted on the Shenmue Dojo YouTube channel, along with an accompanying statement on the Shenmue Dojo forums, aiming to clarify the situation and address the growing backlash from fans who believed the footage might represent an early look at a new installment.
In his remarks, the creator stated, “I am the creator of the viral Shennmue 4 trailer. As you all know by now, YS Net have confirmed this trailer was fake, but I just wanted to set the record straight for all those who think it might still be half real. It’s not.” He explained that the video, including its music, was entirely fan-made and showcased additional high-quality material to demonstrate its unofficial origins. Acknowledging the disappointment the trailer caused, he added, “I know many of you will want to hang me for dashing your hopes, but know this was not done out of malice, but love for Shenmue. I realize I went about it the wrong way, and I apologize for that.” He concluded by expressing hope that the attention generated could still signal investor interest in the franchise’s future.
This apology follows YS Net’s direct response to the situation after the trailer sparked significant speculation online. The studio issued a statement clarifying that the four-minute clip used its branding without permission and had no association with any Shenmue project currently in development. In its message, YS Net wrote, “This video has absolutely no connection to YS NET. Furthermore, at this time, YS NET has not released any trailers, footage, or other promotional materials related to Shenmue 4.” The company described the misuse of its logo as a serious concern and indicated that it is considering appropriate measures, including potential legal action, while apologizing to fans for the confusion caused.
The renewed attention surrounding the fake trailer has also brought focus back to the long-running Shenmue franchise. Shenmue III, developed by YS Net and released on November 19, 2019, continued the story of Ryo Hazuki’s pursuit of his father’s killer, set against the backdrop of open world exploration, structured training systems, and martial arts combat. The series itself remains notable for pioneering free-roaming environments, detailed real-time simulation, and persistent NPC systems, beginning with its 1999 debut on the Sega Dreamcast. Although commercial challenges limited progress for many years, its dedicated community has continued to support the franchise.
