Warhorse Studios Addresses Backlash Against Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Increased Diversity
Warhorse Studios, developers of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), are pushing back against recent online criticism regarding the game's increased diversity. In a February 3, 2025 interview with PC Gamer, PR Manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling expressed frustration with the ongoing negative reactions. He stated, "Several years ago, we were labeled one way; now it's another. It feels like we're constantly being labeled, while we're just trying to create a compelling game." This statement follows criticism from some players and reviewers who have labeled 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 the source of the problem. "We believe the extremely vocal critics will never be satisfied," he commented.
The Historical Basis for KCD2's Diversity
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 inclusion of Italian characters, German-speaking individuals, a Jewish quarter, and more, emphasizing, "It's crucial not only to represent these diverse groups but also to authentically portray their unique perspectives, something often overlooked in games claiming diversity."
Stolz-Zwilling clarified that neither publisher Plaion nor Embracer Group mandated specific agendas for the game's content. The team's approach to KCD2 was shaped solely by community feedback, with every inclusion meticulously researched and verified. "Everything we've included is thoroughly vetted," he confirmed.
Pre-Orders Remain Strong Despite Controversy
Addressing rumors of refund requests following the backlash, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra stated on Twitter (X) that return rates remain consistent. He attributed the game's lower position on Steam charts to concurrent discounts on several popular titles, citing a similar drop 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 nature as a role-playing game allows players to make their own choices and face the corresponding consequences within the game's historical context. "It's a ROLE-PLAYING GAME; players are responsible for the consequences of their choices within the established moral and social norms of the time," he emphasized.
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.
