A group of Italian programmers recently celebrated the release of their fantasy hack ‘n slasher game, Kien, for the Game Boy Advance (GBA) after a staggering 22-year wait.
According to a feature in The Guardian, Kien holds the title for the most delayed game in history. The game’s development first commenced in 2002 when a small team of Italian programmers established AgeOfGames, becoming the country’s pioneer in GBA game production. By 2004, they had a completed game ready for release, but unfortunately, the title never made it to store shelves due to concerns from the initial publisher regarding financial risks.
Subsequently, AgeOfGames transitioned to developing educational games to sustain its operations as the GBA era came to an end. The resurgence of retro gaming provided a new opportunity for the Italian studio when incube8 Games, a publisher specializing in classic console games, expressed interest in reviving Kien for modern audiences.
Today, Kien is finally available in cartridge format, allowing players to experience the game on original GBA hardware. The retro gaming market has witnessed significant growth, with a plethora of new consoles catering to players nostalgic for classic titles. Moreover, the recent decision by Apple to permit apps emulating vintage consoles on its online store further underscores the enduring popularity of retro gaming.
With a resurgence of new games adopting old-school graphics and gameplay mechanics, players can easily reconnect with the games that shaped their childhood memories. Interested gamers can now purchase Kien for $60 through incube8’s website, marking the end of a decades-long journey for the dedicated Italian developers.