Kenshi | The Making of

Kenshi, a truly unique game that was developed almost entirely by one man and one of my top 10 games of all time.
What little gameplay was brought with each new update has a story all its own.
With its sequel "Kenshi 2" in production here in 2021 and this time with an actual dev team, I thought the making of the original game was a story worth telling.
(Also, thanks for 1,000 subs!)
Check out my Nexus page!: Nexus.gg/Godsend
It has the video games I'm currently playing or making videos for. Buying a game there DOES NOT cost you any extra. In fact, they're commonly on sale! A purchase there gets you a Steam key (or other) for your game and I get a portion of the proceeds!
Have a good one
patreon.com/MitchellGodsend

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@teddywild9534]

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

[@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 :)

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@AbsoluteSkycaptain]

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

[@igorthelight]

Google probably knows that ;-)

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@tras500]

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

[@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

[@Shoegazebasedgenre0.]

kenshi special edition

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@e2rqey]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Jarmundx]

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

[@Jarmundx]

Beep

[@banuner_]

@@JarmundxBeep

[@TheAnon03]

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

[@rainmanslim4611]

... and then a Ugandan warlord made a video about it and its popularity exploded to the point that it basically guaranteed Kenshi 2

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@silent0089]

At least the Dev finished a game and making a sequel unlike some guy... **looks at yandere dev**

[@texo456]

Chris Hunt is what YandereDev could have been if he was a sane, reasonable individual😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@barnesnplebian6462]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@hedrocs]

Great quality, really enjoyed watching it!

[@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 :)

[@hawhafunnyraffs5568]

I bought the game. SPECIFICALLY not on sale. Because Steam said its no longer early access. And man. Let me tell you. It will suck your entire afternoon away, and you won't even know what happened. I barely even know how to play. I just keep cracking rock. Selling it to the bartender at hub. And he keeps buying it! (?)

[@khatziOG]

Honestly, the biggest downside this game had and still suffers from is good PR. I heard of the game back in 2018 from a coworker and just brushed it off when I looked at the trailer. It rubbed me the wrong way for some reason. Last month I saw it on a recommended video on KZbin and I found my self bing watching the entire series from a channel that I never knew it existed. I had the game on my wishlist ever since, waiting for a sale to come by. But you know what... After this video and knowing how hard the developer worked on making this game work, I'm buying it full price. He deserves every cent. Not gonna lie im even considering to work for him for free if I can offer my artistic talent. He deserves it. Good job Chris. Wish you a very successful career 👏

[@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!

[@TemptationS666]

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

[@izuela7677]

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

[@starhalv2427]

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

[@Cyynapse]

people coping about kenshi 2 taking a long time meanwhile it took longer than the lifespan of the universe for kenshi 1 to release

[@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 (︶^︶)

[@WolfDarkrose]

this man has a pair of balls to no matter what puncxhd him in the face. he kept getting back up and working. this is what your parents meant when the say no matter how masny time you just kneed in the gut you get back up and keep fighting... wouldnt be playing the game as im listening to this now would i ?

[@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.

[@voxvinity3006]

Open world sandbox suffering simulator where 80% of the time ur a masochist and 20% chad late game

[@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.

[@kiraxxxxxxxxx]

Space Engineers, Kenshi and Project Zomboid are my top 3 games !

[@grazzitdvram]

And in the end, Kenshi was abandoned in an unfinished state and the profit from the sales went to fund Kenshi 2 instead of actually completing the game. What's there is fun even in its half finished state but it really pisses me off selling a game well beyond launch and when the windfall of sales finally hit rather than fix the various half ass systems or create promised features, they started working on a new game.

[@alejandropardo4891]

Spanish speaker mostly, but quality content trascends, sub and like.

[@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

[@homemacai]

NIcely told mate! I hope I don`t take 10 years to finish my game aswell

[@intellectualmagician1247]

Don't know if you still read these but this video made me buy the game. Having a ton of fun from 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!

[@Tom-ahawk]

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

[@Idontwannaplayanymore]

Your voice....its prefect I wish your voice was the intro to the game its prefect

[@StiffAftermath]

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

[@fang4223]

Ah, time for a trip down memory lane... I bought Kenshi the day it dropped on steam, recommended to me by pure chance. I wonder how much of this I'll remember,

[@ryan.1990]

Man I just discovered it thanks to a friend, wish I'd found it sooner

[@anthonyjames9150]

It would be cool if we got an update on Kenshi 2 soon. I know it's in the oven though.

[@november2435]

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

[@Some1fromTheCrowd]

As someone who spent more time on games than 99% of people alive.. i must admit that despite all the bugs, glitches and need for mods, Kenshi is easily one of the best games ever made. Sometimes it feels like a true successor of fallout 2. It is kind of unfitting for the current gamming era where most games are made soulless and for profit only which says a lot about its creator. What ever someone may think, this game will go into the Legend.

[@Dylailahma]

Great video but I had to smirk from time to time. You have a great voice, don't overdo it with pauses. I feel like you made very many and it sounded a bit goofy after 5 minutes.

[@MitchellGodsend]

Taking your criticism, I went through the audio from my current project (to be released... soon) which I had decided to not use such dramatic articulation in and... I came to the conclusion that might just be how I talk... lol I'd appreciate some updated criticism for that upcoming video, though - being fairly new, I'm always looking for ways to improve.

[@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.

[@POOH_LY]

19:27 I am pretty sure these are the clothes worn by slaves of the Holy Nation. 😂

[@Johnyjohn-mc-jonjon]

They are lol. A little bit above average for slaves but ay it works i guess.

[@Tesoro1996]

I can't wait for Kenshi 2! I love the first Kenshi, although optimalization and graphics are not the best, but damn it is so unique and still surprises me with all the different things.

[@TylerDaSaint]

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

[@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.

[@ivansavic8087]

This game is totaly worth playing, you wont regret it.Beak thing :D

[@jamarkus5928]

Your voice is like a young white morgan freeman

[@adan3956]

I shamelessly let u know that i already put couple thousand hours in this game. I can play Skyrim with mods for 2-3 weeks before i get bored but for kenshi it takes several months

[@allones3078]

Good job. making videos are not easy.

[@Arcian]

I have over 800 hours in Kenshi and I'm mad with excitement for Kenshi 2.

[@Enns13]

Thanks for putting this together.

[@thenameh]

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

[@adb4522]

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

[@darkdumbwad6304]

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

[@apemant]

Great documentary, thanks :)

[@BlikeNave]

I'm a Kenshi/Chris fan for life.

[@runswithbears3517]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@Csp499]

"A character must never die unless it's the player's fault" Wowie, a lot can change in a decade huh?

[@Vanilla-Gorilla69]

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