01What Kimi K3 Is and How It Works
Kimi K3 is a new open-source Chinese AI model that generates playable 3D games, interactive simulations, and promotional videos from text prompts. Julian Goldie calls it one of the most impressive and powerful models he has tested.
The model works by taking a written description – for example, a crypt game or a racing game – and coding the entire experience automatically. It does not just create static images; it builds fully interactive environments with smooth graphics, physics, and user controls.
Kimi K3 runs on a coding plan at kimi.com or through third-party platforms like OpenRouter. It will become fully open-source on July 27, which means anyone can download, modify, and run it themselves.
02Main Features of Kimi K3
Kimi K3 has several standout features that set it apart from previous models.
- Game generation: It creates playable 3D games like crypt-based adventures, racing games, and Skyrim-style RPGs. The games include items to collect, obstacles to dodge, and smooth camera movements.
- Self-improvement: While building a game, Kimi K3 can screenshot its own output, look at the code, and improve the code in real time. Then it screenshots again to show the better version.
- Video and promo creation: The model can generate promotional videos with animated backgrounds, overlaid text, and progress bars – something Julian says he has never seen from other AI models.
- Operating system simulation: Kimi K3 can create an entire operating system with working apps like a text editor (Notes) and a drawing app (Paint). You can type notes, save them, close the app, and reopen to find your content still there.
- Physics and graphics: It handles realistic physics simulations, such as a cloth falling over a ball, and generates visually impressive scenes like aurora borealis, fireworks, and solar systems.
03How to Set Up Kimi K3
Setting up Kimi K3 takes just a few steps. Julian shows these methods in the episode:
- Go to kimi.com or use the Kimi coding plan. You can also access Kimi K3 on OpenRouter, a platform that hosts multiple AI models.
- Choose your model version. You can switch between Kimi K3 and Kimi K2.7, and select between quality and speed modes.
- Integrate it with Hermes Agent. Julian has created a Kimi K3 profile inside Hermes, which gives you access to tools, a memory system, and a CLI interface.
- Write a prompt. Describe the experience you want – for example, “a neon driving game with fast obstacles” – and let Kimi K3 code it.
- Save and iterate. Everything you build is saved so you can review, test, and improve it later.
04How to Use Kimi K3: Examples from the Episode
Julian demonstrates Kimi K3 with many real prompts. Here is how to use it, walking through his examples:
- Crypt game: Prompt Kimi K3 to build a crypt-themed game. The result includes a nice UI, items to collect, and smooth gameplay. The graphics show snow falling and a 3D horizon.
- Racing game: Ask for a synthwave-style racer. Kimi K3 adds a car in the middle, obstacles to dodge, and a speed-up feature. The colors are vivid, and the game is both challenging and fun.
- Skyrim Light: A fantasy RPG with an intro screen, characters, and smooth movement. Julian notes that the visual quality is excellent, though some graphics can be average.
- Voxel Craft: This generated a swimming pool with water – something Julian had not seen with other models like Fable 5. The game also included a dragon shooting fire.
- Promotional video: Use Kimi K3 with ReMotion to create a promo that has a moving background, an overlaid video, and a progress bar – an unexpected combination.
- Nebula OS: Prompt for an operating system. Kimi K3 creates functional apps: you can type in Notes, save text, and reopen it later; draw in Paint and see your doodles stay.
05Results and Comparisons Shown in the Episode
Julian tested Kimi K3 on over 50 real-world prompts and compared its output with earlier models.
Kimi K3 dramatically outperforms its predecessor, Kimi K2.7. Games like the crypt game and Skyrim RPG did not work at all on K2.7. The new model’s generation is called a “huge generational jump.”
Compared to other models, Julian states that Kimi K3 beats Fable 5, GPD 5.6, and Opus 4.8 in visual tasks. It surpasses GLM 5.2 by a wide margin. However, some outputs like interactive particle nebula failed completely.
Others, like a neon breakout game, were standard and not special.
Julian also tested HY3 from Tencent, which could not build any of these games successfully despite repeated attempts. Kimi K3, by contrast, often works on the first try.
06Tips, Limits, and Mistakes to Avoid
Julian shares several practical tips for getting the best results from Kimi K3.
- Use anti-slot prompts for web design. Kimi K3’s websites can look a bit weird – colors, contrast, and backgrounds may be off. Adding specific instructions improves the output.
- Expect some failures. Not every prompt works. For example, the interactive particle nebula did not generate at all. Be prepared to retry or modify your prompt.
- Iterate with self-improvement. Let the model screenshot its own work, review the code, and improve it automatically. This can turn an average game into a good one.
- Understand the style. Kimi K3 has a unique visual style – ambient colors and smooth transitions. If you need a different look, you may have to guide it with more specific prompts.
- Do not rely solely on Kimi K3 for detailed websites. It can create web pages, but the fundamentals (layout, contrast, typography) are not always strong. Julian recommends checking his web design tutorials for better results.
07Who Kimi K3 Is For and Why It Matters
Kimi K3 is ideal for developers, game designers, and content creators who want to quickly turn text ideas into interactive visual experiences. It is especially useful for anyone who wants to prototype games, build demos, or create promotional videos without writing code from scratch.
Julian highlights that Kimi K3 is open source, which puts powerful AI in the hands of many people. He believes it closes the gap between Chinese and US AI models. This matters because it makes advanced generation tools accessible and accelerates innovation in game design, simulation, and media production.
If you build visual projects and need fast, working prototypes, Kimi K3 is a strong choice. Julian says he would pick it over other models for anything visual or 3D.
08Additional Resources and Community Support
Julian offers extra support for Kimi K3 users through the AirPuff Wardroom community. You can find the link in the episode description or go to airpuffward.com.
- Daily video tutorials: Julian personally answers questions with a video every day.
- Classroom courses: Search for “Kimi” to find all training materials, including a dedicated one-hour Kimi K3 course.
- Agent operating system: Get a zip file, video guide, and full instructions to install the system.
- Weekly coaching calls: Four calls per week where you can share your screen and ask questions live.
- Local meetups: The community map helps you find other people building with AI agents in your area.
With these resources, you can learn to use Kimi K3 effectively and troubleshoot any problems.
