Warhorse Studios is pushing back against the criticism surrounding Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's increased diversity. Read on to understand their perspective and how it shapes the game.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Diversity: A Matter of Historical Accuracy

Warhorse Studios: Focused on Crafting a Great Game

The developers at Warhorse Studios are weary of the negative online reaction to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2) and simply want to create an engaging game. In a February 3, 2025, interview with PC Gamer, KCD2's PR Manager, Tobias Stolz-Zwilling, addressed the controversy surrounding the game's increased diversity.

Stolz-Zwilling commented, "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 make a great game." This statement followed criticism from fans and critics regarding the inclusion of LGBTQ+ content and other elements perceived as "woke."

Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed this sentiment, stating, "We believe the extreme voices are simply never satisfied."

The Diversity in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

KCD2's setting in Kuttenberg allows for a more diverse representation compared to its predecessor. Bittner explained, "Kuttenberg's status as the royal mint led to a more diverse population." As Bohemia's financial center, Kuttenberg attracted people from various parts of the world, resulting in a richer cultural tapestry than seen in previous game locations.

Bittner highlighted the inclusion of diverse cultural elements, such as Italian characters, German-speaking individuals, and a Jewish quarter, noting, "It's crucial to not only include these people but also to accurately portray their perspectives, something often missing in games claiming to be diverse."

Stolz-Zwilling clarified that neither their publisher, Plaion, nor Embracer Group, influenced the game's content; the team's approach to KCD2 was shaped solely by community feedback. He emphasized, "Everything included is thoroughly researched and vetted."

Pre-Orders Remain Unfazed by Backlash

Warhorse Studios addressed rumors of players requesting refunds due to the controversy. KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra stated on Twitter (X) that sales returns remain consistent despite the backlash. He attributed the game's lower position on Steam charts to concurrent discounts on nine popular titles, impacting pre-order sales for other games, including Monster Hunter: Wilds.

In January 2025, Vávra faced criticism for KCD2's queer representation, sparking false rumors of a Saudi Arabian ban due to unskippable LGBT+ scenes. He refuted these rumors, stating, "It's a ROLE-PLAYING GAME; player choices and their consequences reflect the morals and social norms of the time period."

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 information.