A YS Net developer’s online profile has sparked fresh speculation that Shenmue IV could be in development, after describing work on a new game involving martial arts, scenario design and minigames.
The listing belongs to game designer Shinji Iwase, whose Wantedly profile records a role at the studio beginning in October 2025. His description references planning a new title, using Unreal Engine 5 and Figma to develop specifications and verify their implementation. It does not name Shenmue IV.
In the translated statement, Iwase describes responsibility for systems, scenarios and minigames, alongside detailed research into martial arts intended to improve the consistency between the game’s setting and its action.
Those details offer an intriguing combination for Shenmue fans. Martial arts, storytelling and everyday diversions are familiar parts of Ryo Hazuki’s adventures, making the description a plausible fit for another entry.
The wording also specifically refers to a “new title”, raising the possibility that the work concerns something beyond the forthcoming Shenmue III Enhanced.
Shenmue IV may be in development, if a recent statement from a Japanese contract developer at YS Net is to be believed.
On the website Wantedly, this developer posted the following:
"As a game designer, I planned the system and scenario for a new game while also revamping the… pic.twitter.com/ZxuCDv2Xr7
— Power Up Gaming (@PowerUpGamingUK) November 9, 2026
Could This Be Shenmue IV?
The martial arts research is arguably the most interesting detail. Rather than simply listing combat design among his responsibilities, Iwase describes researching the subject and proposing revisions to better connect the action with the game’s world.
Combined with scenario and minigame development, that sounds compatible with Shenmue. None of those elements, however, is exclusive to the series.
The profile also describes changes to YS Net’s internal workflows, including AI-assisted meeting analysis and early concept visualisation, plus the introduction of Notion for information sharing and progress management. These responsibilities provide context about the developer’s role, but offer little help in identifying the game.
YS Net has developed games outside the franchise, including Air Twister and Steel Paws. An entirely separate project therefore remains a possibility.
For fans waiting to continue Ryo’s story, the references to a new title, martial arts research and minigames offer a promising lead. Identifying that project as Shenmue IV, though, remains speculation.
