Kenshi is an open-world survival RPG notorious for its difficulty. As Chris Hunt said, “A writer’s job is to torment their protagonist.” This sentiment reflects in the game’s design, which places players in a harsh world where survival is a struggle, not a given.

Hunt emphasizes that many games allow players to succeed too easily, stating, “Too many games let the player succeed. You go ‘oh it’s a power fantasy’ and you just run along mowing down enemies and succeeding. And that’s mind-numbingly boring to me.”

He believes that players should face unexpected challenges, which makes for a more engaging story. In his view, the thrill of gaming lies in confronting obstacles and needing to adapt rather than enjoying a straightforward power fantasy.