The Incredible 22-Year Journey of Kien: A Retro Gaming Odyssey

In 2002, a group of five passionate Italian gamers embarked on a quest to create a groundbreaking video game for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance. With no prior experience in game development, they were driven by their love for gaming and a shared desire to forge their own path. Little did they know that their ambitious project, named Kien, would become a legendary tale of perseverance, resilience, and the power of retro gaming.

Reviving a Lost Treasure: The Untold Story of Kien

The Humble Beginnings of a Gaming Dream

The story of Kien began with a group of five Italians who shared a common dream: to create a game that would captivate players and leave a lasting impression. With limited resources and no formal training, they pooled together a few hundred euros and some computers to kickstart their project. Despite the challenges, they were determined to craft an ambitious game with complex features, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of 15th-century Italian history and the unique aesthetics of early Japanese games.

A Grueling Journey: Overcoming Obstacles and Delays

For the next two years, the team worked tirelessly, often burning the midnight oil and sacrificing their personal time. The development process was arduous, but their unwavering determination kept them going. However, their journey took an unexpected turn when a potential publisher, after conducting market analysis, deemed Kien too risky to back. The high cost of producing Game Boy Advance cartridges at the time posed a significant financial hurdle, and the team faced a daunting decision.

Perseverance in the Face of Adversity

Despite the setback, Fabio Belsanti, the game's designer, refused to give up on his creation. Drawing inspiration from the thrilling tales of 15th-century Italian mercenaries that he had discovered during his university studies, Belsanti remained steadfast in his belief in Kien. As the company he founded, AgeOfGames, pivoted to focus on educational games to sustain itself, Belsanti never lost sight of his ultimate goal: to bring Kien to life.

The Retro Gaming Renaissance: A Second Chance for Kien

The gaming industry underwent a significant shift in the last five years, with a growing interest in retro games and classic hardware. This resurgence of nostalgia created a new opportunity for Kien. The costs of producing Game Boy Advance cartridges had decreased, and companies specializing in classic console games, such as Incube8, emerged to meet the demand. Belsanti's dream was finally within reach, and Kien was poised to make its long-awaited debut.

Kien's Triumphant Return: A Celebration of Retro Gaming

In 2022, Kien was finally released on a striking translucent gray Game Boy Advance cartridge, complete with a detailed manual – a rarity in modern gaming. For Belsanti, the opportunity to see his creation come to life on its original platform was a dream come true. Kien's unforgiving gameplay, inspired by the likes of Dark Souls, and its compelling narrative about a lost civilization, have captivated a new generation of gamers who appreciate the power of retro gaming experiences.

The Legacy of Kien: Inspiring a New Wave of Retro Game Developers

As Kien's story continues to unfold, Belsanti and his team at AgeOfGames are already working on a spiritual successor. They believe that the true essence of the video game experience can often be found in the limitations of older hardware, where players' imaginations bridge the gap between the artwork and the pixels, creating unforgettable experiences. Kien's journey has not only inspired a new generation of gamers but has also paved the way for a resurgence of passion and creativity in the retro gaming community.