Warhorse Studios Addresses Backlash Against 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 and historically accurate game. In a recent PC Gamer interview (February 3, 2025), PR Manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling addressed the controversy surrounding the game's increased diversity.

Stolz-Zwilling stated, "We've faced various criticisms over the years. It seems we're constantly being labeled, while our focus remains on developing a compelling videogame." This comment follows criticism from some fans and critics regarding the game's inclusion of LGBTQ+ content and other elements deemed "woke."

Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed this sentiment, stating, "We believe that excessively vocal critics will always find something to complain about."

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 people from various ethnic backgrounds." This resulted in a population representing diverse cultures and nationalities, including Italians, German speakers, and a Jewish quarter, all accurately represented in the game. Bittner stressed the importance of portraying "not just these diverse individuals, but their unique perspectives, which are often underrepresented in games claiming to be diverse."

Stolz-Zwilling confirmed that neither publisher Plaion nor Embracer Group influenced Warhorse Studios' creative decisions. The team's approach to KCD2 was shaped solely by community feedback, with all inclusions thoroughly researched and verified. "Everything included is historically substantiated," he affirmed.

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 several 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 agency in their choices, with consequences reflecting the historical context.

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