Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Embraces Historical Accuracy in Diversity

The developers at Warhorse Studios are expressing frustration over the backlash surrounding Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2). Dive into the details to understand the studio's perspective on the controversy and its impact on the game.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Diversity Stems from Historical Accuracy

Warhorse Studios’ Developers Just Want to Create an Engaging Video Game

Warhorse Studios' team is tired of the ongoing criticism directed at Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2) and simply wishes to focus on crafting an engaging video game. In a recent interview with PC Gamer on February 3, 2025, KCD2's PR Manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling shared his thoughts on the backlash the game has faced due to its increased diversity.

Stolz-Zwilling stated, "We've been labeled differently in the past, and now it's happening again. It feels like there's always someone trying to pin a label on us, yet our goal is to create an enjoyable video game." This response comes after the game received criticism for featuring LGBTQ+ content and other elements deemed "woke" by some fans and critics.

Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the team is not the source of the current controversy. He remarked, "The loudest voices are often the least satisfied."

The Diversity of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Set in Kuttenberg, KCD2 introduces a more diverse setting than its predecessor. Bittner explained, "Kuttenberg, as the royal mint, naturally attracts people from various ethnic backgrounds." Being the second most significant city in Bohemia and the financial hub, Kuttenberg draws individuals from around the world, resulting in a more diverse population compared to other locations featured in the series.

Bittner highlighted the inclusion of various cultural elements in the game, such as characters from Italy, German-speaking individuals, and a Jewish quarter. He stressed, "It's crucial not only to represent these groups but also to reflect their worldview, which is often missing in media claiming to be diverse."

Stolz-Zwilling clarified that neither their publisher Plaion nor Embracer mandated the inclusion of specific agendas. Instead, community feedback guided their approach to KCD2. He affirmed, "Every element we've included has been thoroughly researched and verified."

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Pre-Orders Remain Steady Amid Backlash

Warhorse Studios addressed rumors about players seeking refunds for KCD2 pre-orders due to the backlash. In a Twitter (X) post, KCD2 writer Daniel Vávra clarified that the game's sales-return ratio has remained consistent despite the controversy. He noted that KCD2's lower position on Steam charts a few weeks ago was due to discounts on nine other popular games, which also affected Monster Hunter: Wilds pre-order sales.

In January 2025, Vávra faced criticism for KCD2's queer representation, which led to rumors about the game being banned in Saudi Arabia due to unskippable LGBT+ scenes. He debunked these rumors, stating, "This is a ROLE-PLAYING GAME where players' choices reflect the morals and social norms of the era, and they bear the consequences of those choices."

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