The Most Expensive Failure In SEGA History - Shenmue

This was the most expensive game ever made, and it nearly bankrupted SEGA. Shenmue - the brainchild of Japanese game director Yu Suzuki - was supposed to be his magnum opus. He spent years labouring over it, creating a game that would “transcend genre”. He achieved his goal, but it ultimately cost more than it could deliver.

Come with us as we explore the development of Shenmue, a cult classic released on the SEGA Dreamcast. Shenmue was voted by BAFTA as the most influential game of all time. Its 3D graphics were unparalleled in the world of home consoles, and its influence can still be felt today.

While Yu Suzuki’s plan for a 16-chapter epic never came to fruition, Shenmue remains one of the most revered - and criticized - games ever made, and is a key piece of video game history.