"There's a variety of ways of support, including financial support. When the game's not being funded at that point, the developer has to come up with some funding themselves, for third party relations team to help - because third party relations is third party relations - if we fund the project then it's first party! It's my job! There's a great difference. If Suzuki's Kickstarter is successful [and very quickly after our conversation it was], SCEA will add funding and other support."
Source:
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015- ... -shenmue-3
I think offers the best clarification so far, generally from what I have seen is commitments by Sony people to support this game but little detail as to how. Some people say in marketing, funding the game, making sure it works on the PS4 etc.