Warhorse Studios Addresses Backlash Surrounding Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Diversity
Warhorse Studios is pushing back against the negative online reaction to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), emphasizing their commitment to creating an engaging game experience. In a recent PC Gamer interview (February 3, 2025), 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 there's always a new label attached to us, while we're simply focused on developing a compelling game." This 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, asserting that the development team isn't responsible for the negative feedback. "We believe the extreme voices are perpetually dissatisfied," he commented.
KCD2's Diverse Historical Setting
The game's setting in Kuttenberg, Bohemia's financial center, naturally lends itself to a more diverse cast than its predecessor. Bittner explained, "Kuttenberg's status as the royal mint attracted people from various ethnic backgrounds." He highlighted the presence of Italian characters, German-speaking individuals, a Jewish quarter, and more, emphasizing, "It's crucial not only to include diverse characters but also to authentically represent their perspectives, something often overlooked in games claiming diversity."
Stolz-Zwilling clarified that neither publisher Plaion nor Embracer Group influenced the game's content; the team's approach was shaped solely by community feedback and historical research. "Every element included has undergone rigorous review," he confirmed.
Pre-Orders Remain Strong Despite Controversy
Addressing rumors of refund requests following the backlash, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra tweeted that return rates remain consistent. He attributed the game's lower Steam chart position to concurrent sales of discounted popular titles, citing similar drops in pre-orders for Monster Hunter: Wilds.
Vávra also refuted claims of a Saudi Arabian ban due to unskippable LGBTQ+ scenes, clarifying that the game's RPG nature allows players agency in their choices and their consequences within the game's historical context. He stated, "It's a ROLE-PLAYING GAME; player decisions and their repercussions are entirely dependent on the player's choices, reflecting the moral and social norms of that 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.
