Ys Net considers legal action after "leaked" AI-generated Shenmue 4 trailer gains traction

Japanese studio Ys Net has confirmed that a widely circulated trailer allegedly showing Shenmue 4 is indeed not real and instead entirely generated using AI, prompting the developer to consider legal action against its creator.

The details:

• The four-minute long trailer first appeared on a small YouTube channel last week and was quickly discovered and reposted across social platforms, with viewers divided over whether it was an elaborate fan creation, an AI-assisted fake, or a genuine early leak of Shenmue 4.
• In a new statement shared on social media, Ys Net, the indie studio founded by Shenmue creator Yu Suzuki, confirmed that the video features unofficial footage and that the use of its logo in the trailer was done without permissions, presumably with the intent to trick fans.

• The developer further clarified that it has “not released any trailers, footage, or other promotional materials related to ‘Shenmue 4’,” and that it was looking into taking potential legal action over the “leak” with its partners, while apologizing for the incident.