Developers from Warhorse Studios are expressing frustration over the backlash surrounding Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Dive deeper to understand Warhorse Studios' perspective on the controversy and its impact on the game.
Warhorse Studios' developers are tired of the recent online criticism directed at Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2). Their primary goal is simply to create an engaging video game. In a February 3, 2025, interview with PC Gamer, KCD2’s PR Manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling shared his thoughts on the game's backlash, which stems from its increased diversity.
Stolz-Zwilling stated, "Several years ago, we were labeled differently. Now we're labeled in another way. It feels like someone is always trying to categorize us, but we're just focused on making a cool video game." This comment follows feedback from fans and critics who have criticized the inclusion of LGBTQ+ content and other elements perceived as "woke."
Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the team isn't the issue. "We think the extreme voices are never satisfied," he noted.
Set in Kuttenberg, KCD2 introduces a more diverse setting compared to its predecessor. Bittner explained, "Kuttenberg, being the royal mint, attracts a variety of ethnicities." As the second most important city in Bohemia and the country's financial hub, Kuttenberg naturally draws people from around the world, contributing to its diversity.
Bittner highlighted various cultural and ethnic elements in the game, including Italians, German-speaking individuals, and a Jewish quarter. He stressed, "It's crucial to not only include these people but also their worldview, which is often missing in media claiming to be diverse."
Stolz-Zwilling clarified that the game's diversity was not driven by mandates from their publisher Plaion or Embracer, but rather by community feedback. "Everything we've included is meticulously researched and verified," he assured.
Warhorse Studios has addressed rumors about players seeking refunds for pre-ordering KCD2 amid the backlash. In a Twitter (X) post, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra clarified that the game's sales-return ratio remains unchanged despite the controversy. He noted that KCD2's position on Steam charts had been affected by discounts on nine popular games, which also impacted Monster Hunter: Wilds pre-order sales.
In January 2025, Vávra faced criticism over KCD2's queer representation, fueling rumors about a potential ban in Saudi Arabia due to unskippable LGBT+ scenes. He debunked these rumors, emphasizing, "It's a ROLE PLAYING GAME, where player choices and their consequences reflect the morals and social norms of the time."
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Visit our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 page for more detailed information about the game.