[Team Yu]

You never know who you'll bump into at an event like GDC.

Ali Novin, known around these parts as a special project co-ordinator for Team Yu and a social media manager for the Tweetathon co-founding Shenmue500K group, attended the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco last week and reported back on some interesting encounters.

Amongst them Ali met the gentlemen pictured either side of him: technical artist Mr Kazuhiro from Sega of Japan, and Mr Ogura, Chief 3D Library & Effect Programmer on a certain Dreamcast game.

"It's very interesting to know," wrote Ali in an extended tweet today, "That Mr Ogura was one of the main men behind Shenmue's revolutionary weather system. He also created the water effect that you throw Chai into in the first chapter."

In the presence of key figures from Sega and the Shenmue development team, Ali took the opportunity to highlight the efforts you've all poured into the #SaveShenmue campaign.

"Mr Ogura was deeply touched to see how active/demanding we are even after 15 years," Ali says, "He told me that he always says to Mr Suzuki, 'These fans are the people you should let save the Shenmue series.'"

Having witnessed the same passion everywhere he goes, we have a feeling Suzuki is keenly aware of the support for his quest to revive and complete his magnum opus. That's why he crosses earth and sea to find the right partnership for Shenmue III.

Including this sighting at GDC.

Ogura-san's post in the image above translates as: "At the GDC 2015 IGDA Party, Ali Novin, admin of Facebook group Shenmue 500K (24000 members）informs us about posts continuing every day, even now, regarding an over 15 year old game."

And continue they will, as the next Tweetathon is set for April 3rd. To ensure you don't miss it, activate your AutoTweet today. Team Yu needs YOU to #SaveShenmue...

[jameswalker85]

Great to know that the guys who worked on Shenmue are well aware of our presence, can hear our voices, and appreciate our efforts. Thanks for sharing.