Warhorse Studios Addresses Backlash Against Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Inclusivity

Warhorse Studios, developers of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), are addressing the recent online criticism surrounding 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 commentary. He stated, "Several years ago, we were branded one way; now it's another. It seems there's always some label attached, and we're just trying to make a great game." This statement 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, emphasizing that the development team is not the source of the problem. He commented, "We believe the extreme voices are inherently dissatisfied."

KCD2's Enhanced Diversity: A Reflection of Historical Context

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 other elements reflecting the city's multicultural population. He stressed the importance of portraying "not just these people, but their perspectives on the world, something often missing in games claiming to be diverse."

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

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 Steam chart position to concurrent discounts on multiple popular titles, citing similar drops 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 role-playing nature allows players to make choices and face corresponding consequences within the game's historical context. He stated, "It's a ROLE-PLAYING GAME; player decisions and their consequences align with the morals and social norms of the era."

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is currently available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. For more details, visit our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 page.