Kenshi | The Making of

[@CaptainDeathbeard]

I enjoyed that, never seen a documentary about myself before. Proper pro-quality work. Interesting point: At 8:40 where I said "I had an overwhelming number of emails asking for a screenshot and further delays" I was actually just being sarcastic. I was really getting emails demanding the release. Lol

[@MitchellGodsend]

As cheesy as this might sound, it's genuinely an honor. Got the game back in January 2015 and have 502.8 hours in it; as a big fan I hope I did the story justice with my video, aside from me completely missing the sarcasm (sorry!). Hype for Kenshi 2 is 11/10 right now and I can't wait to give you more of my money! Thanks :)

[@rottenapple_]

I've never played anything like Kenshi it has such a unique and beautiful atmosphere thank you for all the work you put into this

[@Markus-iw9ii]

i loveeee kenshi

[@copsuicide]

thank you for making the most interesting game i have ever played in my life.

[@AnArtisticToad]

I got it. lol

[@DAINSLEF]

He kept his fucking promise. I don't care that it took 12 years or whatever. He said, verbatim, "I can't guarantee that the game will be finished quickly, or by a certain deadline, but I guarantee that it WILL BE FINISHED, and it WILL BE DONE WELL." He did something massive AAA studios haven't been able to do for shit over the last 20 years, and kept his fucking promise to us. He finished the game, and it was done well. Kenshi is, objectively, one of the greatest indie projects to see completion EVER. It can be a clusterfuck of messiness, it's ugly as all hell, the engine is garbage, and some systems are fucked. But, goddamn, what a great game it finally turned out to be. I'm so glad I stuck around for all these years. Thank you for keeping your promise to us and giving us Kenshi.

[@phoenixrising2609]

Amen

[@CheezeWuz]

So true! damn just look at Cyberpunk a game no one can even work on on right now or Anthem a game no one wants to work on. Kenshi, No Mans Sky, and Elite Dangerous I put in the higher echelon of games I've played because god damn if they weren't in a cluster fuck that hard work and passion made them something to behold.

[@HalIOfFamer]

@@CheezeWuz elite is kinda hollow for what it is, and devs have been pulling the same stunts most aaa studios do, like microtransactions or endless grind for little reward.

[@aev6075]

@@CheezeWuz Kenshi's story has a lot in common with No Man's Skies. Both are made with passion by people who suck at marketing. All they wanted to do was as good version of their vision as possible and the outcome beats AAA games easily.

[@skmo7072]

This may sound super fanboy but I actually find kenshi quite beautiful - the music, the incredible variety of landscapes even in the desolation. The fact that you are tiny and the world is huge. I feel like part of its magic is that it breaks free of what everybody expects of a good game, and is brilliant on its own terms.

[@alexdao222]

If you think about it, kenshi's development is just like the game itself . You start from nothing, get beaten down and almost starve to death. But you get stronger, gather allies , build a base . It's fucking beautiful.

[@johncalabria1607]

I had the same thought, it really is beautiful how it turned out

[@guilhermedom2228]

Where is the part of sell random people to become slave?

[@johnpayne5590]

@@guilhermedom2228 the hacking attack.

[@doctorf9528]

Now studio is in a stage when it's time to decide who to side with, Valve, Epic Games, or the one we do not consider the EA?

[@RattlesnakeJ85]

I couldn't put it better. A ground breaking release. I can't wait for Chris and the team to fill in the gaps for Kenshi 2.

[@Veryspecificassortmentofwords]

Chris Hunt uses pure chad energy to manifest a game after spending 1000 years in a sensory deprivation tank emerging then as a transcended lifeform

[@thedingo6577]

Wait, so you're telling me that the development of the game somehow ended up following the core gameplay-loop of the end product? That's super poetic.

[@theswamps6589]

So true! A good story has its highs and low, but never loses tension.

[@RawkL0bster]

That's meta af.

[@stuffed6726]

Just getting beat up until you can finally pick up a stick and fight back

[@jeffosaurusrex1738]

Brilliant comment.

[@chasecrallie2557]

It’s so funny too how he was solo first then started adding members based on there skills… pretty cool

[@dominatorandwhocaresanyway9617]

One wise man once said: "There are many factions in kenshi, and most of them, arent skin bandits"

[@johnwhite1534]

"and when you meet them you'll realize they're even fucking worse"

[@tatamieoka9100]

I can say I'm one of many who saw and heard that "wise man" said such words.

[@TheNapster153]

That War Lord I reckon is responsible for giving the game a much needed lift as well I'd say. I know since I'm one of them.

[@timothyfair1232]

I knew Kenshi's development was slow and arduous, but I had no idea just how bleak it was for so long. Chris Hunt had a dream and he willingly chose to endure financial stress for 'years' to chase it, and to fulfill the promise he made to the then-small community that formed around his dream. In the words of the Shek: "Respect." Also I can't help but feel like the development of Kenshi mirrors the difficulty of starting in the game. Chris struggled for ages, but in the end it all paid off. Kind of funny in a "bitter irony" sort of way.

[@cloroxusthestainlessone4324]

When art imitates life

[@danijellino1921]

4:39 my man really said and i quote "The Enemy has to fear death." Me watching that Starving Bandit Rush 20 well armed and trained UC Samurai's for some food. "Alright chief."

[@patch-fm]

He didn't say a starving and desperate enemy would fear death so...

[@DarrylCross]

Probably maddened with hunger to the point that even a few inches of cold hard steel in the gut is better than nothing at all.

[@battlebread1958]

I mean the hungrier you are the less disgusted you get from things you'd normally consider near inedible, bet you add in heatstroke/dehydration and it'd be easy to think you could steal their bread

[@almondsai7214]

You can speak to the starving bandits when they demand food, they say that they'll either die of starvation or by a blade and that it doesn't matter to them.

[@chadstacy]

So glad we got Kenshi, and that things have worked out for Chris.

[@Bigsack-g5c]

Who is Chris

[@youdontknowme2913]

@@Bigsack-g5c the sole developer of the game

[@idonotknowwhattonamemyself2197]

@@Bigsack-g5c gods not that smart then

[@Bigsack-g5c]

@@idonotknowwhattonamemyself2197 stfu dont @ me

[@vijaz5559]

@@Bigsack-g5c idiot god

[@jamdonut]

"With little artistic ability" - The code is the art. The game design is the art. The gameplay is the art. - I believe Chris is one of the most artistic developers in the industry.

[@jamdonut]

oh great video also btw, really really appreciate the research and time :)

[@EnRandomSten]

"even if you choose to pick up a pickaxe" >shows a slave mining

[@patch-fm]

Technically they chose to be enslaved by being incompetent.

[@dukstuf]

I first reviewed Kenshi on Steam in the summer of 2014. At the time I called it the best game of the year. Since then, after hundreds and hundreds of hours playing and living in this truly interesting, huge and honestly open sandbox game, I have come to change my feelings about Kenshi. It's the best open-world computer rpg of all time. What it lacks in the fancy icing of AAA games like Skyrim, it overwhelmingly makes up for by presenting a living, breathing world that one can feel has an endless, deep backstory that hints at a world long destroyed in the past. Kenshi reaches for the stars like few games do. It's today's Daggerfall- unleashing the gamer without tying their hands or pointing their way. You are free to....be. The game's designer claims he is not much of an artist, but that is totally not true at all. He has created a masterpiece, a gem, a wonderful gift to anyone who enjoys roleplaying, strategy, building and swordplay. Kenshi is art.

[@tomhodges1552]

This game is far better than the sum of its parts...this is lightning in a bottle.

[@JerkyJones100]

Agreed. Its prob in my top 3 games of all time.

[@ethisfreedom]

Agree

[@tras500]

There is something so genuine about the trailers it actually feels like someone showcasing their hardwork instead of just marketing

[@MrTakadatsu]

When a character is falling down , then playing dead and rising up more tougher then before , it's the spirit of Chris never giving up , pushing forward and creating this masterpiece. I got a little bit emotional...don't mind me.

[@wakkosick6525]

I checked this game out and thought "this looks like garbage but I think its got alot of potential" I bought the game and never played it for 5 years. I now have over 2000 hours in the game and still have not done everything or been everywhere. I still play it. I am playing it right now. Its good. Don't sleep on Kenshi.

[@NurseVO]

Wow. I love the quality of this piece.

[@republocrat3849]

I love your Kenshi Story.

[@fernandohood5657]

miss your kenshi videos

[@marcy1442]

MAKE MORE KENSHI XD

[@z3ronotfund939]

hey

[@mr.crowgamer6250]

Man I’m so glad a game like this exist just so different from anything out there Kenshi literally takes open world to what it should be.. more open world games should learn from kenshi

[@teddywild9534]

One of the best success story and one of the best game i've ever played and im playing it right now XD

[@AbsoluteSkycaptain]

What the fuck? I opened Kenshi to start a new game literally minutes ago.

[@igorthelight]

Google probably knows that ;-)

[@edwin11373]

You know what? I feel bad now. I mean, I knew about Kenshi for years but I was reluctant to buy it because I thought it was too rough around the edges, too clunky, laggy, horrible ui, and even boring. Despite that I still somehow wanted to try it because I felt it was a diamond in the rough. Unfortunately, timed passed and got sidetracked because of other cool games on Steam. But thanks to your incredible analysis of the history or, better yet, the "journey" of Kenshi, I'm SOLD. I'm going to buy it. Heck, even if I end up not liking it, the developer DESERVES every penny for his game. His passion, determination and faith in his game, is something that needs to be rewarded:)

[@victor_silva6142]

Man you are a honored gamer. You are the kind of person that made the gaming industry rebirth post the crash of 1983.

[@watto6280]

Did you like it?

[@republocrat3849]

@@victor_silva6142 There are words for men like this: Pro Gamer.

[@fedegrox]

Boring? you need to be enslaved by the cannibals.

[@joef1110]

I bought it ages ago and refunded it. Not to long I bought it again to give it a other go and holy **** it is actually amazing cant belive I never gave it a chance

[@ShadowsFateOfficial]

Kenshi 2 should have millions of dollars to help, and if he puts it on kickstarter I would actually donate because unlike other developers, Chris proved he keeps his word.

[@AmirNamadian]

As a pirate gamer, for the first time I felt ashamed for having this masterpiece without expressing my gratitude to it's hardworking artist. I am truly in dept of you, Chris.

[@spatrk6634]

dont worry. he sold at least 2 million copies. and its probably all his own profit. because he made the game mostly alone. the help he got he probably compensated already in other ways rather than royalty from selling the game

[@yanli111]

Loved kenshi’ soundtrack, truly one of a kind

[@darkstar1987lx]

"Developers will harp on and on about their games, while they have nothing to show for it." -Chris, circa 2009, warning us about Cyberpunk. What a lad.

[@iridescentsea3730]

I instantly thought of Yandere Dev when I heard that.

[@MrDinokilla]

One of the best stories of “Stick to it, through thick and thin. And the fruits of your labours shall be most ripe indeed” Glad he kept it going. I only got the game in 2019 but man it’s in my top 5 games if not top 2. Can’t wait for Kenshi 2 and I will wait another decade if need be

[@Shoegazebasedgenre0.]

kenshi special edition

[@yawanoc]

Amazing. Kenshi was built the same way the default starting is played. One man in a strange new world with a limited budget, slowly forming a group along the way.

[@coffeefox5703]

Ah, I remember Kenshi when it was just a desert and nothing else. So long ago... it's a marvelous game and I'm glad to see it's finally finished.

[@ronnychristenjoyer6778]

I've never been more addicted to a game, than I was to Kenshi. The freedom and possibilites and unique atmosphere of the game are just one of a kind.

[@plasticpeon]

This is one of my most played game. On steam, it’s my second most played. I started playing in 2011. From the start, I felt that this game was so incredible. It has so many replay value. I play out my desired scenario until I feel satisfied, and then quit. A few weeks later, I start a new scenario with different play style, different purposes, different careers, finish it, quit, come back later and start another new and different scenario. Etc. The developer gave us a world to play in, from there, it’s up to us. P.S. Sorry Chris, I never knew you had a starter fund going, I would’ve help with what little budgets I had.

[@penzorphallos3199]

Too long you say? Id loved to watch an hour long video on how kenshi was made, such an uplifting story too

[@oliveradams1555]

This was awesome. I knew this game had a troubled development, but didn't realise how troubled. I would've watched more, it would've been good to hear a little update on what they're up to now with kenshi 2 and the post launch updates. Still a kick ass video, you can see the work you've put in with the research and editing.

[@amocv]

41 Years old man...is near to cry now, who actually never cry in his life. Amazing Video, amazing game

[@TheMavenDojo]

Listening to this I wanna give this man a hug. He is the real warrior. I myself delve I little bit into game development, I can code but can't draw or do any design, so it was very relatable. He succeeded where I gave up.

[@WolfDarkrose]

plus dont care who you are . when im alone at night ill crank this up on my speakers and god theres nothing like kenshi soundtrack. it just makes you feel like a badass.

[@DH___]

Every time you start as a man alone with a rusty sword and a dream you are in a way taking a part of Chris’s dream

[@-Magnus.]

Kenshi deserves a movie

[@TheAnon03]

Been one of my most played games over the last couple of years.

[@TemptationS666]

one of the best games of ALL TIME, And I CAN NOT WAIT to learn more about the Moon of Kenshi.... in Kenshi2!!!

[@runswithbears3517]

Kenshi belongs in the list of greatest games of all times.

[@probablyacabbageisuppose1711]

I'm so happy he kept going. This is my favorite game. The stories I've played, no matter how tragic, are some of my best memories.

[@syn_bandy9208]

Have posted before, but still, every time I watch and get to the end the hairs are standing on end! What a terrific fan-tastic video (︶^︶)

[@TylerDaSaint]

I play this game every day one of the games ive been looking for all my life

[@linklindlink]

Such a smooth and rugged voice,would be funny to hear a parody of old movie trailers...”in a world devoured by darkness,once every ten thousand years a hero will rise....etc”. Great video by the way.

[@Tom-ahawk]

The 'start a business' part is something im really hoping becomes more in kenshi 2 😁

[@e2rqey]

It still absolutely blows my mind you only have 1K subs. Can't wait to see you blow up

[@Jarmundx]

I fear no man, but that _beak_ thing scares me!

[@Jarmundx]

Beep

[@banuner_]

@@JarmundxBeep

[@barnesnplebian6462]

Basically, the making of Kenshi was just as difficult as a playthrough Kenshi itself lol. Love this masterpiece.

[@Vanilla-Gorilla69]

I've watched it twice now... good job

[@natpat6394]

I started playing kenshi back in 2017. I couldn’t understand why it was so good so I put it on the back burner for a year. It was a mistake. Being bored and broke I finally started it up again. It’s now a game I have played for hundreds of hours and will play until the day I die. It’s pushed me to start game dev as a hobby. Your video has helped me understand why it’s so good. Thank you.

[@kalmkoala9243]

I'm so glad he stuck with it. Because kenshi is hands down the best game I've ever played.

[@MegaLordSamuel]

The editing, the cadance of your voice, the music. Sweet jesus how are you only a thousand subs! I must spread you like the VARUS!

[@natpat6394]

I saw this video a year ago and every once in a while I’ll come back to it. Such a great breakdown. 10/10 man

[@Paguo]

I'll be honest. I've played the pirate version back in 2015, when I was a teen and had no money to spend... but once I started working and had money for my things, I've bought this on Steam and GOG. Just the sheer will he had to endure difficulties, not only in the game dev department, but in his life, things that threatened his livelihood. Being in dept and the pressure of his project... Bro, just the way he carried to the end and kept his promise of finishing the fucking game is worth my respect. Thanks, Chris Hunt, for finishing your project and keeping your promise. Good luck for your future projects and plans, in deving and in life. Looking forward for Kenshi 2

[@izuela7677]

I bought this game on May 26, 2014 for $11.99. Best Steam purchase ever!

[@boomstickYT]

This is high quality stuff, gave me some newfound appreciation for kenshi. It’s crazy to think, even with all the odds against the game, it released and became one of my favorite of all time. It’s kind of weird even writing that since the game is so unpolished but it truly is special under the jank, especially when you consider the community mods that have been accumulating since kenshi gained a following. Here’s hoping kenshi 2 sees the same success

[@atrixtussand2369]

Seeing story of struggle, pain and ultimate succsess of indie dev make my heart melt. Story like of making Kenshi and Darkest Dungeon is something that will inspire numerous number of people to dive in as indie dev and make their games. Iam still very hyped for Kenshi 2. Thank you Chris for a immense effort and thank you for a flaweed masterpiece we call Kenshi.

[@Felcaster]

It's so interesting seeing aspects of the game that have existed since nearly the beginning, like the running animation and one of the most desirable structures in the game, the Outpost III. I've been with the community since we were just a square of desert surrounded by a 3/4th greyed out map. It's been a great experience :)

[@BlikeNave]

I'm a Kenshi/Chris fan for life.

[@MrGrubee48cc]

I said I would be seeing more of you, and I tell no lies. Great Video my man, you have the talent, voice and skill to make it to 1 mill subs. I just know it.

[@chaleowin7732]

The little dev that could. Never completely gave up, turned out to be one of my favorite games in the end, 1K+ hours into the game which is a lot with my busy life. Can't wait for Kenshi 2.

[@supersonic20121]

Kenshi's soundtrack alone puts it up there for me. Such a fitting choice for such a desolate yet alive world that's beautiful in its own way. The song used in the intro has me in a headlock.

[@eraea9179]

Chris Hunt is a man of focus, commitment, and sheer freaking will. Thank you for creating Kenshi and am looking forward for Kenshi 2

[@sugarsammy7209]

He deserves a medal for perseverance. Many devs have dropped this work in progress games and ran, but he didn't after years of running on fumes.

[@ezequiielmacias6072]

Great content! Kenshi was the whole reason I bought a pc. such a great game .

[@igorthelight]

Welcome to the PC community :-) Don't forget to try other nice games. And mods for them.

[@Karss]

Same here I remember being in 9th grade, and seeing simo play and I wanted to get it so badd.

[@palaciosjoseph55]

Great video man! And I knew Chris Hunt has been working on this game for years but I never knew how much hard work he put into it! Thats a game designer I would back anytime!

[@ALC42069]

Super late but this game is breathtaking in many ways. Mechanically and artistically. The effort and love the devs have poured into it is tactile in game. You literally can feel the passion in which this game was masterfully crafted. If they were working with a AAA budget, this is one of the greatest games ever released. Truly the among the best when it comes to small dev teams. Nothing but appreciation for this game/creators.

[@tarkan9000]

KZbin recommended me this video and i just thought it was a big youtuber that made this video only to see that you dont get the attention you deserve, FOR NOW! Keep uploading videos like these and you will get very big i just know it!

[@selectionn]

so many games claim to be where you arent the main character and you arent special and similar things, but Kenshi is the only game that really does it, your fun isnt guaranteed and it shines so much because of it. nice video

[@thenameh]

The music in this game is so good, my fav gotta be the one in the intro

[@hedrocs]

Great quality, really enjoyed watching it!

[@darkdumbwad6304]

The production quality of this video is crazy, keep it up Brother hard work betrays none.

[@joebarron5310]

When I finished this video I thought it was a big channel, floored when I heard you said ‘thanks for 1k subs’ keep up the great work man!

[@胃炎-c8w]

I just found out Kenshi two weeks ago and now I'm binges playing it.

[@starhalv2427]

I'll be preparing a semi-D&D module set in the world of Kenshi. Probably just for my friends.

[@joalfonsiuswolfenstein8386]

I mean hacking this guy site, c'mon man, its like he alone trying to build a base for us to enjoy and then when he go out of town looking for ancient books some starving bandits ransack the town. I mean its so sad dude, remembering the smile face on the loading screen. Press F for Respect

[@MorphingReality]

That shot with 100 beak things took me back

[@howardyoo4070]

Mad props and gratutude to Chris Hunt for not abandoning his game even though the situations sometimes called for it

[@palacemaster6685]

man i love the sound track in this game it gives a vibe you don't get anywhere else

[@UnclePutte]

I keep coming back to this flick, just to keep lit the little kindling of hope that even a schmuck like myself could one day complete a creative process of my own, even if one of a vastly smaller scale.

[@sterasigma8734]

It takes a special kind of passion and determination to develop a good video game alone and for over a decade.

[@Transformingmorpher]

I'm shocked to see how many subscribers you have, you deserve at least 100x more. Well spoken, written and edited, reminds me of GVMERS. I'll definitely keep and eye out for more you make!

[@tatonghudas]

I was really looking for a squad based RPG back then something like Dungeon Siege and Throne of Darkness but with a bit of grit and complexity, I'm a sucker for party based iso games or something in that alley. Man, time flies fast... I remember just watching its progress every now and then years ago, how glorious it had become.

[@KadaFFbI4]

Really good quality of documentary! I started with Kenshi about a week ago and I absolutely love it!

[@StiffAftermath]

Glad to see that all the painfully hard work and persistence paid off in the end. 😊

[@violetkittens8859]

Kenshi is one of my favourite games ever, and I remember in such vivid detail adventures I went on long time ago. Glad everything worked out for Chris.

[@jackspies444]

great video, kenshi is my favourite game of all time and its nice to see a documentary on it

[@reallybadgamer]

That was a GREAT video. Your voice is awesome for it as well. Having around 4500 hours into Kenshi, I thoroughly enjoyed that. Thank you.

[@adb4522]

Good to know the stormy story behind on of my fav games.

[@malhavoc431]

A wonderful documentary. I had no idea that Kenshi's development was such an arduous journey. It makes me glad to know it made it in the end, and such a great game was fully realized. I look forward to Kenshi 2 and hope you'll do a similar (but hopefully not quite so hair-raising) documentary on that.

[@TheWizardKs]

Thank you Mitchell! I have over 3300 hours in the game and could relate to most of this video. The very early parts not so much. Absolutely enjoy Kenshi and even with all those hours, I have probably only tried less than 50% of ways that it *could* be played. Thanks to Chris Hunt for your perseverance and unfailing faith in yourself. I know it had to be quite trying at best.

[@hiroshim3658]

After this shit hes been through, I cant' believe their actually making Kenshi 2

[@igorthelight]

Second one will be MUCH easier to make: * He already has a team * He already have experience * He already have money * He already have a loyal community * He already have 75% of a ready game (AI, overall logic, map - all of those could be used as a placeholder for a Kenshi 2) So my predictions - 3 years for Kenshi 2.

[@reeeeeeeam511]

Emotional story about a game that has brought me so much joy and attachment. The game just oozes with character and I’ve always been attracted to the premise/ambience.

[@ZedesBrZ]

The fact that both kenshi and project zomboid (two of my favorite games) were in the first steam greenlight is kinda of amazing. love it

[@fedegrox]

thank you so much for the video, i feel much love for this game and i believe that its main idea has a lot to offer. i wish the developer and the new crew the very best, and thank them for so much.

[@tooloo3658]

Currently developing my own Kenshi-inspired game. I often come back to watch this documentary to keep myself motivated lol. Such a well done documentary!

[@TexYMatt98]

Really good video! Let me say as a fan from before steam I have been waiting for a video like this from a long time.

[@Data_Removed]

Thank you for bringing this story to light. I love the video!

[@Nommicus]

Man I had no idea! I mean I knew it was hard for the dev, but seriously cheers for sharing this. It's a work of art, Onepunchman by Ambiuousamphibian and the Beep series by Willburger (I think it was him wasn't it?) totally got me into it. This game is immense and wonderful.

[@mrballpython2105]

Kenshi has such a unique atmosphere thats created by everything from the crazy map, aged graphics, aged models/animations, and the music that I fear even in Kenshi 2 they won't be able to come close to replicating it. This game only turnt out as unique as it did due to the circumstances surrounding its development.

[@Odrazela]

Thank you!! this video make me love kenshi more! And Thanks to Chris to be a really Kenshi character working in hard mode and never give up!!