Epic to Cover The Cost of Shenmue 3 Kickstarter Refunds

Consumer sparks flew when highly anticipated RPG Shenmue 3 was announced as an Epic Games Store exclusive. Even more so when they refused refunds for their PC Kickstarter backers. Now we've learned that Epic themselves will be footing the cost of providing refunds.

Shenmue 3 has been on fans' minds for over a decade. Excitement grew when the game was given an official Kickstarter to fund development. But much of that excitement was diminished during E3 2019 when it was revealed that the PC version of the game would only be available on the Epic Games Store for the first year of its release.

Many backers were unhappy about this, demanding refunds for their investments, which the developers initially refused. Now Epic themselves are stepping in to fix it the only way they know how, by throwing money at it.

According to a Twitter statement by Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, the company will be providing the funds needed to offer refunds to Kickstarter backers, ensuring that the development team doesn't have to suffer the losses.

"Epic is funding the cost of all Kickstarter refunds resulting from Shenmue IIIs move to the Epic Games store, so that refunds wont reduce Ys Nets development funding."

Sweeney continued in another tweet, explaining that they will do this for future titles, as well, should it be necessary.

"When future games go Epic-exclusive after offering crowdfunding rewards on other PC stores, well either coordinate with colleagues at the other stores to ensure key availability in advance, or guarantee refunds at announcement time."

If you were a backer who wants a refund, this will be an option for you soon. Otherwise, backers can either wait that full year for a Steam version or settle for the Epic Game Store version.