Warhorse Studios Addresses Backlash Against Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Increased Diversity
Warhorse Studios, the developers behind Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), are pushing back against recent online criticism regarding the game's enhanced diversity. In a February 3, 2025 interview with PC Gamer, PR Manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling expressed frustration with the ongoing negative response. He stated, "Several years ago, we were branded one way; now it's another. It seems we're constantly being labeled, while we're just trying to create 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 Stolz-Zwilling's sentiments, asserting that the development team isn't responsible for the controversy. "We believe the extreme voices are simply never satisfied," he commented.
KCD2's Enhanced Diversity: A Reflection of Historical Context
The game's setting in Kuttenberg, Bohemia's historical financial center, accounts for its increased diversity compared to the first game. Bittner explained, "Kuttenberg, being the royal mint, attracted a far more diverse population." He highlighted the inclusion of various cultural and ethnic groups, including Italians, German speakers, and a Jewish quarter, stating, "It's crucial to represent not only these groups but also their unique perspectives, something often missing in games claiming to be diverse."
Stolz-Zwilling emphasized that neither publisher Plaion nor Embracer Group dictated the game's content; the team's approach was shaped solely by community feedback. He assured, "Everything included is thoroughly researched and verified."
Pre-Orders Remain Unaffected
Addressing rumors of refund requests following the backlash, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra tweeted that sales returns remain consistent. He attributed recent lower Steam chart rankings to concurrent discounts on multiple popular titles, citing similar drops in pre-orders for Monster Hunter: Wilds as an example. 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 that they are responsible for the consequences within the game's historical context.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. For more details, visit our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 page.
