Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Accurately Reflects Medieval Diversity

Warhorse Studios addresses the controversy surrounding Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), emphasizing their commitment to historical accuracy as the driving force behind the game's diverse representation. Read on to understand their perspective and how it shapes the game's narrative.

Focusing on Game Development, Not External Criticism

Warhorse Studios is pushing back against recent online criticism of KCD2's increased diversity. In a February 3, 2025 interview with PC Gamer, PR Manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling stated that the team's focus remains on creating an engaging game, despite facing recurring waves of criticism based on differing interpretations of their work. He highlights the constant attempts to label the studio, emphasizing their primary goal is to develop a high-quality game.

Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed this sentiment, suggesting that extreme viewpoints often overshadow constructive feedback. He believes the team's efforts are often misconstrued.

KCD2's Diverse Setting: A Reflection of Kuttenberg

The game's setting in Kuttenberg, Bohemia's historical financial center, naturally lends itself to a more diverse cast of characters than its predecessor. Bittner explains that Kuttenberg's role as the royal mint attracted people from various backgrounds and ethnicities, resulting in a more representative portrayal of the city's population. He highlights the inclusion of individuals from Italy, German speakers, a Jewish quarter, and others, emphasizing the importance of not only representing diverse characters but also their unique perspectives within the game's world.

Stolz-Zwilling confirms that the game's content reflects research and historical accuracy, not external pressures from publishers Plaion or Embracer. Community feedback influenced their approach, but all inclusions were thoroughly vetted.

Pre-Orders Remain Strong Despite Controversy

Warhorse Studios refutes claims of significant refund requests following the backlash. Writer Daniel Vávra, via a Twitter (X) post, clarified that return rates remain consistent. He attributes the game's lower position on Steam charts to concurrent sales of discounted popular titles, citing similar declines in pre-orders for Monster Hunter: Wilds.

Vávra also addressed earlier accusations regarding the game's LGBTQ+ representation and rumors of a ban in Saudi Arabia, stating that the game's choices are entirely player-driven and that the consequences align with the game's historical setting.

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.