Warhorse Studios addresses the controversy surrounding Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), emphasizing their commitment to historical accuracy and dismissing accusations of imposing specific agendas. The developers express frustration with the negative backlash, asserting their primary goal is creating an engaging and historically accurate game.
Focus on Game Development, Not External Pressure
In a recent PC Gamer interview (February 3, 2025), KCD2's PR Manager, Tobias Stolz-Zwilling, highlighted the team's consistent efforts to create a compelling game amidst fluctuating external criticism. He noted the team's focus remains on game development, rather than responding to every critique. Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed this sentiment, suggesting that some negative feedback stems from a predisposition to dissatisfaction.
Historical Accuracy Drives KCD2's Diversity
The game's setting in Kuttenberg, Bohemia's financial center, naturally lends itself to a diverse cast of characters. Bittner explained that the city's role as the royal mint attracted individuals from various ethnic backgrounds, including Italians, German speakers, and a significant Jewish population. He stressed the importance of accurately representing not only the presence of these diverse groups but also their unique perspectives and experiences within the game's historical context.
Stolz-Zwilling clarified that neither Plaion nor Embracer, the publisher, influenced the game's content with specific agendas. The development team meticulously researched and verified all aspects of the game's historical representation.
Pre-orders Remain Strong Despite Controversy
Addressing concerns about refund requests, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra stated on Twitter (X) that sales returns remain consistent despite the online controversy. He attributed recent fluctuations in Steam chart rankings to discounted competing titles, citing similar drops in pre-orders for other games. Vávra also refuted rumors of a ban in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the game's role-playing nature and player agency in making choices with corresponding consequences within the game's historical context.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
