SDLC Corp

How to Develop a Game Like Kenshi

To build a game like Kenshi, you need to focus on creating a detailed, open-world environment that encourages player exploration. Successfully developing such a project requires a combination of innovative design, robust programming, and dynamic gameplay mechanics

Growth Stats Of Kenshi

The growth stats of Kenshi showcase how the game has evolved from its early stages to becoming a cult favorite. With a unique blend of RPG and sandbox mechanics, the developers managed to create a world that captivated players, leading to steady growth in its community and player base. Analyzing these stats provides insight into the game’s enduring appeal and market impact.
Stats of Kenshi
$ 0 M+

2023 Annual Revenue

0 M+

Number of Users (PC)

NA

Downloads

NA

Downloads

Ultimately, the growth of Kenshi highlights how innovative game design and community engagement can make a game successful, even without a large budget or mainstream support. The team’s dedication and creative approach to open-world gameplay have made Kenshi a standout title that continues to attract new players.

Architecture of a Scalable Gaming App

The architecture of a scalable game like Kenshi is critical to ensuring smooth gameplay, reliable performance, and support for a growing player base. At a high level, such an architecture must be designed to handle dynamic player interactions, large open-world environments, and real-time data processing. Essential components include users accessing content via a CDN, stateful servers to manage game state, auto-scaling groups for dynamic resource allocation, and a reliable cache system. The use of distributed databases like MySQL and Redis, along with message brokers such as Kafka, ensures that the game’s infrastructure is both flexible and robust, enabling seamless growth as the player base increases.
Players interact with the game through a client that connects them to the game's servers. User traffic is distributed and optimized to enhance latency and performance through the use of Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), which bring the game’s assets closer to the players.
CDNs ensure that static content such as game assets (textures, sound files, etc.) are delivered quickly to users, reducing latency and offloading bandwidth demand from game servers.
These are responsible for maintaining the game's real-time state, ensuring that player actions and world changes are tracked accurately and synchronized across the system.
Auto-scaling dynamically adjusts server capacity based on demand, ensuring that during peak times more servers are brought online, while reducing resources during off-peak periods to save costs.
A caching layer (such as Redis) helps store frequently accessed data temporarily, improving response times by reducing the need for constant database queries.
Different geographical regions ensure that players from different parts of the world have low-latency access to game servers and resources, helping improve performance by distributing workloads.
These include all the files necessary to run the game (models, textures, sounds, etc.) and are stored in a way that allows quick and efficient retrieval, often distributed through the CDN.
This in-memory database is used for caching and quick retrieval of session or player data, ensuring smooth gameplay and quick access to vital information without needing constant database queries.
A relational database is used for storing persistent data, such as player profiles, world data, and game state, ensuring long-term consistency and reliability.
A distributed messaging system, Kafka is used to handle real-time data streams, such as in-game events, player interactions, and system logs, allowing different components of the game to communicate and process data efficiently.
By integrating these high-level architectural components, a game like Kenshi can achieve both scalability and stability. The architecture ensures smooth delivery of assets and data to players while maintaining game state across different regions and servers. Scalability mechanisms like auto-scaling and caching optimize performance, while databases and message queues ensure consistent data flow. This combination makes it possible to manage a growing player base, optimize gameplay, and maintain a seamless experience as the game evolves.

Features

To develop a game like Kenshi, it’s essential to focus on key features that create a rich, open-world experience, ensuring players have the freedom to explore, build, and survive in a dynamic environment.
Implement a procedurally generated world system to create vast, dynamic landscapes that change with player interaction.
Develop complex AI routines to give NPCs autonomy, allowing them to make decisions, form factions, and respond to player actions in real-time.
Use stateful servers and a robust database architecture to ensure the world and player progress persist across sessions and are synchronized across different players.
Build a physics-based combat engine with real-time strategy elements, allowing for character movement, hit detection, and tactical gameplay without pre-scripted animations.
Optimize game assets and resource streaming via a CDN and caching system to minimize latency and load times for a seamless open-world experience.

Process To Build

Developing a game like Kenshi involves several key steps that combine creative vision with technical execution. From planning to deployment, each phase is crucial for ensuring a smooth development cycle and a polished final product.
requirement gathering

Conceptualization

Begin by outlining the game’s core concept, defining the world, mechanics, and unique gameplay elements. This step includes creating detailed design documents to map out the game’s open-world structure, AI behavior, and progression systems.
development

Prototyping

Build a prototype to test core gameplay mechanics and essential features such as combat, AI, and resource management. This phase helps identify potential issues early, allowing for adjustments to mechanics and ensuring that the game feels engaging.
maintenance

World Building

Develop the game’s world by using procedural generation or hand-crafted design techniques. Focus on creating diverse environments, NPC interactions, and dynamic systems that allow players to explore and interact with the game world freely.
design

Programming and Systems Integration

Implement the core game systems, including AI, combat, asset management, and multiplayer functionalities. Integrate databases like MySQL for persistence and tools like Redis for caching frequently used data to ensure smooth gameplay performance.
testing

Testing and Iteration

Conduct thorough playtesting to find bugs, balance mechanics, and refine player experience. Regularly gather feedback and iterate on the game’s design, ensuring that all systems work in harmony and provide an enjoyable, seamless experience for players.

How To Build?

Creating a game like Kenshi can be approached in different ways. Whether you hire a game development company, collaborate with developers, or learn to build it yourself, each path has its pros and cons. Let’s explore these options to help you find the best fit for your project.

Developing a game like Kenshi requires a deep understanding of game mechanics, AI programming, and open-world design. It’s essential to partner with experienced development teams capable of delivering high-quality results. Below are some recommended companies:

Hiring a skilled developer for a game like Kenshi is crucial for ensuring high-quality development. Below are some recommended freelance platforms to find experienced developers:

If you want to learn how to develop a game like Kenshi yourself, there are several valuable resources available online. These platforms offer tutorials, guides, and courses to help you gain the necessary skills:

  • YouTube - Watch tutorials on game development, including open-world design, AI programming, and asset creation.
  • Udemy - Access courses on game development, covering everything from basic programming to advanced game design.
  • Coursera - Learn game development from top universities and industry experts through structured online courses.
Game Developer

Cost Breakdown

Developing a game like Kenshi requires expert-level design, coding, and gameplay optimization, with enhanced graphics, seamless cross-platform functionality, and carefully planned monetization strategies. Additionally, it involves thorough testing, strategic marketing, and ongoing post-launch support to ensure long-term success and player engagement.

Features/Services

App Design & UI/UX

User-friendly design with custom themes

Advanced UI/UX with animations, personalized design, and high-end user experience

Core Features (User login, team creation, scoring)

Full-featured fantasy gameplay: user login, team creation, real-time scoring, leaderboards

Multiple game modes, dynamic user dashboards, and highly scalable gameplay

Backend Development

Robust backend with database and APIs for handling moderate user load

Scalable cloud infrastructure, real-time data processing, load balancing, and microservices architecture

Third-Party Integrations (payment gateways, notifications, etc.)

Integrated payment gateways, push notifications, and basic analytics

Advanced integrations: AI-based analytics, real-time notifications, blockchain for transactions, and cryptocurrency payments

Post-launch Support & Updates

3-6 months support with minor updates

12+ months of premium support, regular updates, AI-driven user personalization, and advanced data security features

Pricing

$10,000+

$50,000+

Our Happy Clients

Why Choose Us?

At SDLC Corp, we provide advanced game development solutions, leveraging the latest technologies like blockchain, AI, and immersive game mechanics. Our proficiency in multi-platform development guarantees smooth performance and engaging gaming experiences customized to your unique requirements.

Custom Design

We create custom battle royale experiences here at SDLC Corp, with a stress on innovative game mechanics and immersion in environments that bring the pace to the gameplay from the start.

Seamless Integration

Take a look at our impressive App Development Services Portfolio, showcasing a wide array of innovative, scalable, and user-focused solutions.

Development Solutions Full Cycle

From concept to launch, SDLC Corp offers comprehensive end-to-end game development solutions- design, development, testing, and post-launch support.

Track Record of Success

We have a history of success in launching games through our portfolio, thereby ensuring that your project will experience the benefits of all the experience, innovation, and quality commitment.

Testimonials

Top-tier game services that enhance your gaming experience! From seamless account management to personalized support, our team ensures you get the most out of your playtime. Trusted by gamers worldwide for reliability, speed, and excellence. Level up with us!

Prabhakar Posam

CEO, Patang
On time delivery
Reporting
Communication
Code Quality
Availability
“I’ve never experienced such seamless gaming services before! The support team is always ready to help, and their account management features are top-notch. My gaming experience has significantly improved. Highly recommended!”

Firas Bsat

5G Program Director, Orange
On time delivery
Reporting
Communication
Code Quality
Availability
“The personalized support I received was incredible. They handled my issues quickly and professionally, making my gaming sessions smoother than ever. Truly the best in the business!”

Oleg Boytsov

CEO, Artyfact
On time delivery
Reporting
Communication
Code Quality
Availability
“From quick setup to excellent ongoing support, these services have transformed how I game. The reliability and speed are unmatched. I can’t imagine gaming without them now!”

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FAQs
The cost to develop a game like Kenshi can vary widely depending on factors such as the size of the development team, the complexity of the game’s mechanics, and the tools and technologies used. On average, it could range from $500,000 to several million dollars. Costs include hiring developers, artists, and designers, licensing software, server infrastructure, and ongoing testing. Indie projects like Kenshi often operate on smaller budgets by utilizing smaller teams, outsourcing, or crowdfunding. However, for a polished product with advanced AI, open-world design, and scalable infrastructure, substantial investment is usually required. If you’re looking to create a successful gaming platform, partnering with a specialized company is key. At SDLC Corp, we offer Game Development solutions, positioning us as a Top Game App Development Company. Our Game Software Development Services ensure your platform meets industry standards while delivering an engaging user experience.

Here are five benefits of developing a game like Kenshi:

  • Creative Freedom: Developing an open-world, sandbox game allows for innovation in gameplay and story, giving developers creative control over game mechanics and world-building.
  • Long-Term Player Engagement: A sandbox environment promotes high replayability, encouraging players to keep coming back and extending the game’s lifecycle.
  • Scalability: With procedural generation and modular systems, the game can easily scale to include more content and features without needing a complete overhaul.
  • Niche Market Appeal: A unique game like Kenshi attracts dedicated communities and fans who appreciate indie titles and non-mainstream gameplay experiences.
  • Monetization Opportunities: The game can generate revenue through initial sales, expansions, DLCs, and possible future ports to other platforms.
If you’re ready to tap into this lucrative market, explore Game App Development with an expert Game App Development company like SDLC Corp. We are a leading Game Software Provider offering top-notch Game App Development Services. Partner with our Game Software Development Company to create a successful gaming platform.

Here are five commercial features of a game like Kenshi:

  • Open-World Exploration: Players can freely explore vast, procedurally generated environments, adding depth and longevity to the game.
  • Sandbox Gameplay: Offers players the ability to create their own narratives and strategies, appealing to a wide audience seeking freedom and creativity.
  • Character Customization: Extensive customization options allow players to create unique characters, enhancing player engagement and personalization.
  • Dynamic Economy: A living, evolving in-game economy where players can trade, build businesses, and influence market conditions, adding realism and complexity.
  • Modding Support: Providing tools and support for modders encourages a strong community and extends the game’s life through user-generated content.
To build a similar app with robust features, explore Game App Development and partner with a leading Game Software Development Company. At SDLC Corp, we also specialize in Game Software Development and Game App Development to help you launch a seamless platform. For more, explore our Game Software Services.
We at SDLC Corp can support the development of a game like Kenshi by providing end-to-end game development services, leveraging our expertise in scalable architectures and complex game mechanics. We assist in designing open-world environments, implementing AI systems for NPC behavior, and building robust back-end infrastructure to accommodate large player bases. Additionally, we offer support in integrating stateful servers, optimizing performance through auto-scaling, and ensuring the seamless delivery of game assets via CDNs. Our comprehensive approach guarantees that the game can scale effectively while maintaining high performance and user engagement. SDLC Corp delivers a complete solution for creating a high-quality, immersive game experience with game development.

Technologies used to develop a game like Kenshi:

  • Unity or Unreal Engine for game development
  • C++/C# for game programming
  • MySQL/Redis for database management
  • Kafka for message brokering
  • Auto Scaling & Cloud Services (AWS, Azure) for scalability
  • CDNs for asset distribution
  • Blender or Maya for 3D modeling

SDLC Corp also provides Game App Development and Game Software Development services with experienced Game Software Developers to guide you in making the right technical decisions.

Here are two key points on how long it takes to develop a game like Kenshi:

  • Development Time: Depending on team size and complexity, it can take anywhere from 2 to 4 years to fully develop a game like Kenshi.
  • Iteration and Testing: Continuous testing, bug fixes, and balancing could add an additional 6 to 12 months to refine gameplay and performance.
Expert Game Software Development Services are essential to getting started. At SDLC Corp, we also provide Game Software Development Services and Game App Development Services to ensure smooth delivery.

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