Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Diversity is Just a Result of Historical Accuracy

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 game. In a February 3, 2025 interview with PC Gamer, 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 constantly being labeled, while our focus remains on developing a compelling game." This follows criticism from some quarters labeling the game "woke" due to its inclusion of LGBTQ+ content and other elements.

Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed this sentiment, asserting that the team isn't responsible for the negative feedback: "We believe the extreme voices are inherently dissatisfied."

KCD2's Diverse World: A Reflection of History

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 more, emphasizing, "It's crucial to represent not only these diverse populations but also their unique perspectives, something often overlooked in games claiming to be diverse."

Stolz-Zwilling clarified that neither publisher Plaion nor Embracer Group influenced the game's content, stating that the team's approach to KCD2 was shaped solely by community feedback. He added, "Every element included has undergone rigorous review and fact-checking."

Pre-Orders Remain Strong Despite Controversy

Addressing rumors of refund requests following the backlash, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra tweeted that sales returns remain consistent. He attributed the game's lower Steam chart position to concurrent discounts on several popular titles, citing a similar drop in Monster Hunter: Wilds pre-orders as an example.

Vávra also debunked rumors of a Saudi Arabian ban due to unskippable LGBTQ+ scenes, clarifying in a January 2025 statement that, "It's a role-playing game; players' choices and their consequences reflect the moral and social norms of the era."

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.