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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@KhorbiusZex]

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.

[@tras500]

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

[@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

[@alexanderrahl7034]

17:30 There are people who promise the moon and stars, make millions, and fuck off. Then theres this guy, Who promised nothing flashy, nothing amazing, nothing but a finished product and said "gimme whatever you can, more is good, less doesnt matter, im still making it." And BY GOD, he made it. 12 years of his life. and he made it. this man deserves all the awards

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@yanli111]

Loved kenshi’ soundtrack, truly one of a kind

[@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

[@TemptationS_LIVE]

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

[@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.

[@AbsoluteSkycaptain]

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

[@igorthelight]

Google probably knows that ;-)

[@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.

[@egillskallagrimson5879]

A great documentary on a great and ambitious game it deserves all the love and praise the community gives to it. Kenshi is a work of love to art and to gaming, it is a philosophical statement of what a game can be and should be, an answer to the great and deep questions of game theory and it is many things more and it has reached this status and gathered all these traits through struggle. Kenshi has gain now a place in the history of videogames and Chris Hunt has achieve something is difficult to me to describe but it is something remarkable and a source of inspiration to anyone living the struggle to reach our own dreams. Bravo for this documentary and sharing the amazing story behind an amazing game.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 (︶^︶)

[@e2rqey]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@TheAnon03]

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

[@thenameh]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@penzorphallos3199]

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

[@TylerDaSaint]

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

[@Vanilla-Gorilla69]

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

[@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!

[@amocv]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@barnesnplebian6462]

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

[@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

[@-Magnus.]

Kenshi deserves a movie

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@kalmkoala9243]

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

[@FTLnovaKid]

Had to come back and rewatch this for I don’t how many times I have watched this. This is such a good video.

[@GrandTickler]

im surprised there are some things im seeing i really like that seem to be missing from the final product. like the sparks when 2 swords clash, or the quality of foliage amazing work on the video, you really nailed 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.

[@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.

[@bowlock9901]

Brilliant! My respect for this game and the community is even greater now. Well done Chris. Well done!!! EDIT. Could have easily watched the long version. Great work and thankyou.

[@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.

[@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!

[@ArvensisAndromeda]

Ayo, just wanted to say thanks for making this video. I watched it when I first started playing Kenshi and now I'm back... I'm doing a speech on the development of Kenshi for a class tomorrow and this makes processing the update logs a bit easier. Cheers.

[@darkdumbwad6304]

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

[@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.

[@Jarmundx]

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

[@Jarmundx]

Beep

[@banuner_]

@@JarmundxBeep

[@palacemaster6685]

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

[@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.

[@iq_the_prophet7081]

This is a solid quality video. The fact you don't have a large following surprises me but hidden gems always lie around. Consider me subscribed og. Great work.

[@hedrocs]

Great quality, really enjoyed watching it!

[@KadaFFbI4]

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

[@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!

[@RodolfoAlarmante]

Amazing video, thank you for informing us about all this story, it was a hell of a ride but the guy made his dream come true, and he would make it even alone all the way ! AMAZING !

[@acle_]

well done man. i like your style, writing, and delivery. as far as "the making of" documentaries go, this one feels quite mature. have a good one!

[@Peckh]

Cant believe you only had 1000 subscribers. I watched this whole video and thought it had a few hundread thousand views. Easy sub from me mate great video!

[@jackspies444]

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

[@runswithbears3517]

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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@Enns13]

Thanks for putting this together.

[@Tom-ahawk]

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

[@Data_Removed]

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

[@slimharambe639]

Wow this is a really great video on one of my favourite games :) Also really cool how Chris saw this and commented!!!

[@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.

[@AlphaxHunteRx]

Honestly, kinda surprised this video doesn't have more traction considering how many copies of the game have sold and how big the Kenshi community actually is (even though I'm hella late to the party too). This video is done really well, everything sounded great. Best of luck in the future, hope this picks up more traction!

[@november2435]

Very well done :D I will continue to watch your career with great interest!

[@StiffAftermath]

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

[@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

[@aceichner]

Very nice video. The fact that it is based on one of my all-time favorite games certainly helped, but still very polished. If you had not said it, I would not have realized you were at the 1K subscriber mark. BBC level content if this is an example.

[@uncledoctor6920]

This video might not have made me love Kneshi any more than I already do, but it certainly makes me sure that buying it full price wasn't a mistake. Perseverance like that in the face of such adversity needs to be rewarded, especially when something as unique as this game is the reward. Well done.

[@successorop]

Thats a great video! nice work! Man, i love kenshi, and knowing this make me love it even more. Thanks man