Warhorse Studios Addresses Backlash Against Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Increased 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. In a recent PC Gamer interview (February 3, 2025), PR Manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling addressed the controversy surrounding the game's enhanced diversity.
Stolz-Zwilling stated, "We've faced varied criticisms over the years. It seems we're constantly being labeled, while our focus remains on developing a compelling game." This comment follows criticism from some fans and critics who labeled the game's inclusion of LGBTQ+ content and other elements as "woke."
Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed this sentiment, asserting that the team isn't responsible for the negative feedback. "We believe extremely vocal critics are simply never satisfied," he commented.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Diverse World
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." This historical context explains the increased representation of different cultures and ethnicities, including Italians, German speakers, and a Jewish quarter. He stressed, "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 confirmed that neither publisher Plaion nor Embracer Group influenced the game's content; the team's approach was shaped solely by community feedback. He emphasized, "Every element included has undergone rigorous review."
Pre-Orders Unaffected by Controversy
Warhorse Studios refuted claims of significant refund requests following the backlash. Writer Daniel Vávra, in a Twitter (X) post, stated that return rates remain consistent despite the controversy. He attributed the game's lower Steam chart position to concurrent discounts on multiple popular titles, citing similar drops in pre-orders for Monster Hunter: Wilds.
Vávra previously addressed accusations regarding the game's LGBTQ+ representation and refuted rumors of a Saudi Arabian ban. He clarified, "It's a role-playing game; player choices and their consequences are determined by the in-game moral and social norms of that era."
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Visit our dedicated page for more details.
