Kien, the most-delayed video game in history, released after 22 years

Kien, the most-delayed video game in history, has finally been released after 22 years of development. The Italian action game was initially started by a group of five individuals with no prior experience in game development. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, the game designer, Fabio Belsanti, remained dedicated to the project. Kien, an action platformer available on the Game Boy Advance, offers players the choice between two protagonists and a challenging gameplay experience likened to Dark Souls. The game's prolonged development was due to financial constraints and shifting market trends, leading to its recent release by publisher Incube8. Belsanti's company, AgeOfGames, found success in educational games while waiting for the right opportunity to launch Kien. The revival of interest in retro games and classic consoles has created a market for titles like Kien, showcasing a return to simpler gaming experiences driven by nostalgia. Belsanti is already working on a spiritual successor to Kien, emphasizing the emotional impact and immersive storytelling potential of older video games despite technical limitations.