Kenshi'sdevelopers are going straight to their fans to decide their next move.

Lo-Fi Games has switched to the Unreal Engine, and this means one of two things: they focus on building Kenshi 2 within it, or they delay that for the sake of porting Kenshi into it.

Though Lo-Fi started doing the latter, Chris Hunt, Founder and CEO of the studio, was concerned that all the work involved was not worth delaying Kenshi 2 for. In an update posted on Steam, Chris said, “Personally I feel like it would be better to focus on Kenshi 2, which will have exciting new features, new content and world to explore and mechanics to play with, rather than remaking Kenshi 1 [sic], which would be essentially the same game.”

The same post also bears a link to a poll where fans can make a choice. Dozens of comments have already been made. Most I have seen ask the developers to focus on the sequel, saying the original is a game that is complete as-is. The occasional user, though, suggests porting Kenshi first to become familiar with the Unreal Engine before diving into the sequel. Many fans beg Lo-Fi not to let their games become Epic Games Store exclusives, a concern which the developers have quelled. This is an engine change, and nothing more. The Straw Poll they posted at this time is an overwhelming 81% in favor of focusing on the sequel.

If you don’t know the title, it’s an open-world RPG with exploration and building mechanics. Player choice makes everything in the game. You can build a squad out of anyone you meet, chance upon random encounters, and find great success or immediate failure. It's all up to you and your fortune.

Quick Take

I enjoy seeing productive interaction between a developer and their fanbase. Here, Lo-Fi was open about an internal concern and asked fans for their input. From the comments I read, fans were supportive in whatever opinion they offered. Even when bringing up concern over Epic exclusivity, there was a real interest in the studio’s success. It’s made me want to check out Kenshi and join this passionate community.

Have you played Kenshi? Do you think Lo-Fi should remake the game or go ahead with the sequel? Let us know in the comments below!

