Warhorse Studios Addresses Backlash Against Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Increased Diversity
Warhorse Studios, the developers behind Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), are pushing back against recent criticism regarding the game's diversity. In a February 3, 2025 interview with PC Gamer, PR Manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling expressed frustration with the ongoing negative feedback. He stated, "Several years ago, we were labeled one way; now it's another. It seems we're constantly being labeled, while we're just trying to create a great game." This follows criticism from some fans and critics 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 most extreme voices are simply never satisfied," he commented.
The Historical Basis for KCD2's Diversity
KCD2'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 a more diverse population." The city's role as a major economic hub brought together individuals from various parts of the world, resulting in a richer cultural tapestry.
Bittner highlighted the inclusion of various cultural and ethnic groups within the game, including Italians, German speakers, and a Jewish quarter, emphasizing, "It's crucial not just to represent these groups, but also their unique perspectives, which are often underrepresented 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, with all elements thoroughly vetted. He stated, "Everything included is carefully considered and fact-checked."
Pre-Orders Remain Strong Despite Controversy
Addressing rumors of refunds due to the backlash, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra took to Twitter (X) to report that return rates remain consistent. He attributed the game's lower position on Steam charts to concurrent sales of discounted 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 nature as an RPG allows players to make their own choices, with consequences reflecting the historical moral and social norms of the era.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is currently available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Visit our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 page for more details.
