Warhorse Studios Addresses Backlash Surrounding Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Inclusivity
Warhorse Studios is pushing back against the negative online reaction to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), asserting their focus remains on crafting a compelling game. In a February 3, 2025 interview with PC Gamer, PR Manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling addressed the controversy surrounding the game's increased diversity.
Stolz-Zwilling stated, "We've faced various criticisms over the years. It seems we're constantly being labeled, while our goal is simply to create an engaging game." This comment follows criticism from some fans and reviewers who labeled the game's inclusion of LGBTQ+ content and other elements as "woke."
Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed this sentiment, stating, "We believe that extreme voices are inherently dissatisfied."
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Diverse World
The game's setting in Kuttenberg contributes to its diverse representation. Bittner explained, "Kuttenberg's status as the royal mint attracted diverse ethnicities." As Bohemia's financial hub, Kuttenberg's population comprised individuals from various regions, resulting in a more diverse environment than previous game settings.
Bittner highlighted the inclusion of various cultural and ethnic elements, including Italian characters, German-speaking individuals, a Jewish quarter, and more. He emphasized, "It's crucial to represent not only these diverse characters but also their unique perspectives, a detail often overlooked in games claiming to be diverse."
Stolz-Zwilling confirmed that neither publisher Plaion nor Embracer Group influenced Warhorse Studios' creative decisions. The team's approach to KCD2 was shaped solely by community feedback. He stated, "Every element included has undergone rigorous review and validation."
Pre-orders Remain Unaffected
Warhorse Studios refuted rumors of significant refund requests following the controversy. KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra tweeted that return rates remained consistent. He attributed the game's lower Steam chart ranking to concurrent discounts on popular titles, citing a similar drop in Monster Hunter: Wilds pre-orders.
Vávra previously addressed accusations regarding the game's queer representation, denying rumors of a Saudi Arabian ban due to unskippable LGBT+ scenes. He clarified, "It's an RPG; player choices and their consequences reflect the moral and social norms of the era."
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Visit our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 page for more details.
