Historical Accuracy Fuels Diversity in 'Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2'

Warhorse Studios Addresses Backlash Surrounding 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 various criticisms over the years. It seems we're always a target for some kind of label, but our focus remains on developing a compelling game." This comment follows criticism from some quarters labeling the game's inclusion of LGBTQ+ content and other elements as "woke."

Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed this sentiment, stating, "We believe that overly critical voices will always find something to complain about."

The Historical Basis for KCD2's Diversity

KCD2's setting in Kuttenberg contributes significantly to its diverse representation. Bittner explained, "Kuttenberg's status as the royal mint attracted people from various ethnic backgrounds." As Bohemia's financial hub, Kuttenberg's diverse population is historically accurate, a contrast to previous game settings in the series.

Bittner highlighted the inclusion of diverse cultural elements, including Italian characters, German-speaking individuals, and a Jewish quarter, stating, "It's crucial to represent not only these diverse groups but also their unique perspectives, something often overlooked in games claiming to be diverse."

Stolz-Zwilling clarified that neither Plaion nor Embracer, the game's publishers, influenced Warhorse Studios' creative decisions. The team's approach to KCD2 was solely shaped by community feedback and rigorous historical research. "Everything included has undergone extensive verification," 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 Steam chart position to concurrent sales of discounted popular games, citing Monster Hunter: Wilds as another example of pre-order sales affected by this market dynamic.

Vávra previously refuted claims of a Saudi Arabian ban due to unskippable LGBTQ+ scenes. He emphasized the game's role-playing nature, stating, "It's a ROLE-PLAYING GAME; players' choices and their consequences are entirely their responsibility, aligning with the era's moral and social norms."

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 details.