In a surprising twist, Shenmue’s developer, Ys Net, is poised for legal battle over a video circulating online that masquerades as footage from Shenmue 4. This unexpected development has sent ripples through the gaming community, sparking debates about the authenticity and origins of the clip.
Legal Actions Loom Over Fake Shenmue 4 Footage
The video emerged on social media last week, rapidly gaining traction as it spread across various platforms. Despite swirling suspicions about its legitimacy, it was widely shared by numerous websites. Ys Net has since released a statement clarifying that the video “has absolutely no connection” to them, accusing it of unauthorized use of their logo. The company warned that this could lead to “trademark infringement and unfair competition,” and they are considering legal measures.
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A trailer for Shenmue IV appears to have been leaked from Sega. It is not yet verified by Sega but it seems to be real. pic.twitter.com/GMOlFFgCuw
— SuperSisi (@SuperSisi) December 5, 2025
AI and Deepfakes: The New Frontier of Gaming Hoaxes
Although some enthusiasts believed the intricate “Shenmue 4” video to be genuine, others pointed to its awkward animations and fan-centric narrative, suspecting it to be a sophisticated fan creation using generative AI. Recent months have seen a rise in such technology, with tools like Sora 2 and Google’s Nano Banana Pro producing content that blurs the line between reality and fabrication. This incident with Shenmue 4 underscores the growing challenge of distinguishing real game content from AI-generated hoaxes.
“Ys Net Inc. has confirmed that a video has been posted on social media which uses our company logo without permission, falsely giving the impression that it is an official ‘Shenmue 4’ related video produced by us,” the company stated. “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.’
They emphasized the seriousness of misleading viewers through unauthorized logo use, which may result in trademark infringement and unfair competition. The company is now collaborating with relevant parties to prepare suitable measures, including potential legal proceedings. Ys Net also expressed regret for any confusion caused, reaffirming their commitment to accurate information dissemination.
The Future of Shenmue: A Waiting Game
The future of a fourth major Shenmue game remains uncertain, though the passionate fanbase clings to hope for its eventual release. Not long ago, dedicated fans rented a billboard in New York’s Times Square to express their desire for Shenmue 4, though it’s unclear if this had any significant impact. Currently, Shenmue creator Yu Suzuki is focusing on an enhanced version of Shenmue 3, which will be released on new platforms with improved features and visuals. Suzuki has expressed a desire to develop a fourth installment, aiming for broader appeal after the third game’s critical reception.
“Rejoining Ryo Hazuki’s quest to avenge his father is exciting, but Shenmue 3 feels like a game that has ignored the innovation and progress of the last 20 years of video game development,” echoed the sentiment in a review, scoring the game 5/10.