Count Binface, a satirical candidate running in the Clacton-on-Sea by-election in England, has incorporated a novel campaign promise: urging Sega to greenlight the development of Shenmue 4 and to reopen its former Sega World arcade in London's Trocadero. The independent space warrior, as he refers to himself, addressed Sega directly in a video shared by the fan site Shenmue Dojo, expressing a desire to see the beloved franchise continue.
"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," Count Binface stated in the video. "They can't leave you guys on another cliffhanger for years!" He also mused about nationalizing Sega and harnessing the "power of the Shenmue" to ensure timely updates. The candidate also voiced a personal wish to see Sega World in London's Trocadero rebooted, with "old Sonic the Hedgehog back in his prime."
The campaign video, which concluded with the hashtag #LetsGetShenmue4, appears to be a commissioned Cameo video, a fact that was noted by Metro. While Count Binface has not broadly shared the video on his own social media, his political platform has previously included similar nostalgia-driven promises. When running for London mayor in 2021, his manifesto detailed plans to resurrect the Trocadero arcade. Sega World, a popular fixture since 1996, closed its doors in 2011 following a decline in Sega's arcade business.
Though it is unlikely that Count Binface's campaign pledges will directly influence Sega's development decisions or the resurrection of its London arcade, his vocal support for gaming culture may resonate with a segment of the electorate. The candidate's other policy proposals include advocating for cheaper ice cream and nationalizing the singer Adele. He is competing against a number of candidates, including Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform UK party, in the by-election scheduled for August 13.
Meanwhile, the Shenmue community recently experienced disappointment when a fabricated Shenmue 4 trailer gained viral traction earlier this year. Ys Net, the studio led by Shenmue creator Yu Suzuki, issued a statement condemning the fake trailer and indicated that it was considering legal action against its creator. Although there has been no official confirmation regarding Shenmue 4, the upcoming Virtua Fighter Crossroads, with its emphasis on story-driven action, may offer some solace to fans awaiting new Sega-developed experiences.