A British joke political candidate known as Count Binface has publicly called on Sega to release Shenmue 4. The satirical candidate, running for Member of Parliament in Clacton, England, voiced the desires of many fans who have been awaiting a new entry in the beloved series since Shenmue 3 launched in 2019.
In a video shared on YouTube, Count Binface directly addressed Sega, stating, "I need to say a galactic ‘hello’ to Sega on behalf of the Shenmue fans. I’ve got a little bone to pick with you because the fans would like to campaign for an update from you Sega about Shenmue 4. They can’t leave you guys on another cliffhanger for years." The sentiment highlights a common criticism of Shenmue 3, which many players felt did not advance the series' overarching narrative toward a conclusion, a notable point given the lengthy development cycle of the previous installment.
Binface's campaign for Shenmue 4 is part of his broader satirical political platform. He also jested about the potential nationalization of Sega and the rebooting of Sega World in London. These remarks underscore his persona as a novelty candidate. It has been noted that Binface's appeal to Sega originated from a Cameo video commissioned by a Shenmue fan.
Count Binface is running against prominent politician Nigel Farage in a by-election. Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, is currently facing scrutiny over campaign finance matters. The election has drawn attention due to the contrasting figures involved, with Binface representing a more whimsical, albeit politically charged, opposition.
The Shenmue series, known for its ambitious scope and detailed world-building, has cultivated a dedicated fanbase over the years. Shenmue 3 was released after a highly successful Kickstarter campaign, signaling continued player interest, though the subsequent wait for further installments has been considerable.