Warhorse Studios Addresses Backlash Surrounding Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Increased Diversity
Warhorse Studios is pushing back against recent criticism leveled at Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), emphasizing their commitment to creating an engaging and historically accurate game experience. In a February 3, 2025 interview with PC Gamer, PR Manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling addressed the controversy surrounding the game's enhanced diversity.
Stolz-Zwilling stated, "We've faced various criticisms over the years. It seems we're constantly being labeled, while our focus remains on crafting a compelling video game." This comment follows criticism from some quarters labeling the game's inclusion of LGBTQ+ content and other elements as "woke."
Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed this sentiment, suggesting that extreme viewpoints often overshadow constructive feedback. "We believe that some vocal critics will always find something to object to," he commented.
KCD2's Diverse Historical Setting
The game's setting in Kuttenberg, Bohemia's financial center, inherently lends itself to a more diverse representation than previous installments. Bittner explained, "Kuttenberg's status as the royal mint attracted people from various ethnic backgrounds." He highlighted the inclusion of Italian characters, German-speaking individuals, a Jewish quarter, and other cultural elements. He further emphasized the importance of accurately portraying "not just these diverse individuals, but their unique perspectives, something often missing in games claiming to be diverse."
Stolz-Zwilling clarified that neither publisher Plaion nor Embracer Group influenced Warhorse Studios' creative decisions regarding KCD2's content. The development team's approach was shaped solely by community feedback and a rigorous commitment to historical accuracy. "Every element included has undergone extensive verification," he confirmed.
Pre-Orders Remain Unaffected
Addressing online speculation regarding refund requests following the controversy, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra took to Twitter (X) to dispel rumors. He stated that return rates remain consistent with expectations, attributing recent fluctuations in Steam chart rankings to concurrent sales promotions of competing titles.
In January 2025, Vávra addressed claims that KCD2 was banned in Saudi Arabia due to its LGBTQ+ representation. He refuted these claims and stressed the game's RPG nature, emphasizing player agency and the consequences of their choices within the game's historical context. "It's a role-playing game; players are responsible for the ramifications of their actions within the established moral and social framework of the era," he explained.
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 details.
