The developer of the notoriously tough survival RPG Kenshi, Chris Hunt of Lo-Fi Games, believes that many games make it too easy for players to succeed, which he finds boring. In Kenshi, players face a harsh and unforgiving world where survival is a challenge from the start. The game doesn’t guide players with quest markers or hand-holding, but instead forces them to navigate through a complex and brutal environment.
According to Hunt, the essence of storytelling is to torment the protagonist, and he has applied this principle to Kenshi. Unlike traditional hero narratives, Kenshi places players in the shoes of an ordinary individual struggling to survive in a hostile world. Hunt emphasizes the importance of encountering unexpected problems and failures in games to create a compelling and engaging experience.
Kenshi’s intricate gameplay and lack of guidance can be overwhelming for newcomers, leading Hunt to recommend starting with simpler games before diving into Kenshi. He advocates for games that challenge players and present them with obstacles, rather than allowing effortless success. Hunt believes that stories should focus on relatable characters facing real struggles, rather than idealized heroes on predetermined paths to greatness.
Looking ahead, Hunt briefly discussed Kenshi 2, revealing that it is set in the same world but takes place a millennium before the events of the original game. The sequel promises a map that is 50% larger than Kenshi’s expansive world, featuring new factions unique to the game’s universe. While no release date has been announced for Kenshi 2, the current discounted offer on Steam makes it a great time for players to experience the original game.
Hunt’s creative approach to game design challenges conventional gaming tropes and offers players a unique and immersive experience in Kenshi. By emphasizing the importance of struggle and failure in storytelling, he aims to create games that resonate with players on a deeper level, moving away from clichéd narratives of destined heroes and power fantasies.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, developers like Hunt are pushing boundaries and redefining player experiences through innovative and challenging gameplay mechanics. By encouraging players to embrace difficulty and overcome obstacles, games like Kenshi offer a refreshing departure from traditional gaming norms, providing a more engaging and rewarding journey for players.
