The hotly-anticipated Shenmue III going Epic exclusive has caused a stir amongst PC Kickstarter backers. Developer Ys Net provided an update on the switch, but the studio is still assuaging concerns. Refunds are now being offered to Kickstarter backers who choose to rescind their investment, and Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed the company will take responsibility to avoid impacting Shenmue III's development budget.

　　Sweeney took to Twitter to deliver the statement, saying in a tweet, "Epic is funding the cost of all Kickstarter refunds resulting from Shenmue III’s move to the Epic Games store." He notes that this decision is to ensure Ys Net's development budget remains unaffected by refunds.

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　　Now Playing: E3 2019: Shenmue 3 Gameplay Trailer - PC Gaming Show 2019

　　Epic is funding the cost of all Kickstarter refunds resulting from Shenmue III’s move to the Epic Games store, so that refunds won’t reduce Ys Net’s development funding. https://t.co/mSGdbzYPJ5

　　— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) July 2, 2019

　　In a follow-up tweet, Sweeney said that when any other game goes Epic exclusive after offering rewards on separate PC platforms, "We’ll either coordinate with colleagues at the other stores to ensure key availability in advance, or guarantee refunds at announcement time." It's worth noting that Sweeney is talking specifically about crowdfunded projects here.

　　The options available for Shenmue III Kickstarter backers include a PC physical package, a digital Epic Games Store game key, a PS4 disc, or a PSN code voucher. The PC physical version doesn't actually contain the game on the disc, though; instead it comes with an Epic Games Store installer and a digital Epic Games Store game key. The Steam version will be made available to those who opt for it but will be delivered "one year later."

　　Shenmue III isn't the only game to become an Epic exclusive. During the PC Gaming Show, where Shenmue III's Epic Store exclusivity was announced, a handful of games got the exclusive treatment. This includes Chivalry II, The Sojourn, Untitled Goose Game, and more. Crowdfunded sci-fi game Outer Wilds also went Epic exclusive, alongside Metro Exodus and The Division 2. Gearbox's upcoming looter-shooter, Borderlands 3, has also announced an Epic exclusivity deal.

　　Shenmue III is slated to launch on November 19 for PC and PlayStation 4.