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

Warhorse Studios addresses the controversy surrounding Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), emphasizing their commitment to historical accuracy and dismissing claims of a "woke" agenda. The developers express frustration over the negative online reaction.

Focus on Game Development, Not External Criticism

In a recent PC Gamer interview (February 3, 2025), KCD2's PR Manager, Tobias Stolz-Zwilling, highlighted the team's primary goal: creating an engaging video game. He commented on the fluctuating criticisms directed at the studio, stating that their focus remains on game development, not responding to every online critique. Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed this sentiment, suggesting that some extreme voices are inherently dissatisfied.

KCD2's Diverse Cast: A Reflection of Kuttenberg

The game's setting in Kuttenberg, Bohemia's financial center, naturally lends itself to a more diverse cast than previous installments. Bittner explained that Kuttenberg's status as the royal mint attracted people from various ethnic backgrounds, including Italians and Germans, resulting in a diverse population, including a Jewish quarter. He stressed the importance of portraying these diverse characters authentically, including their unique worldviews, a detail often overlooked in games claiming diversity.

Stolz-Zwilling clarified that neither Plaion nor Embracer, the publishers, influenced the game's content. The team's approach was shaped by community feedback, but all inclusions were meticulously researched and fact-checked.

Pre-Orders Remain Strong Despite Backlash

Addressing rumors of refund requests following the controversy, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra stated on Twitter (X) that return rates remain consistent. He attributed recent lower Steam chart rankings to discounted competing games, citing the impact on Monster Hunter: Wilds pre-orders as a comparable example. Vávra also refuted claims of a Saudi Arabian ban due to LGBTQ+ content, emphasizing the game's RPG nature and player agency in decision-making within the established historical context.

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.