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

Warhorse Studios Addresses Backlash Over Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Diversity

Warhorse Studios is pushing back against criticism surrounding the increased diversity in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2). The developers emphasize their commitment to historical accuracy as the driving force behind the game's representation.

Focusing on Game Development, Not Controversy

In a recent interview with PC Gamer, PR Manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling expressed frustration with the ongoing negative feedback. He stated that the team's primary focus is creating an engaging and enjoyable game, regardless of external pressures or attempts to label their work. Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed this sentiment, suggesting that extreme criticism often ignores the developers' intentions.

Historical Accuracy and Diverse Representation in KCD2

The game's setting in Kuttenberg, Bohemia's financial center, naturally lends itself to a more diverse cast of characters. Bittner highlighted the presence of various ethnicities, including Italians and Germans, as well as a Jewish quarter, emphasizing that the game aims to authentically portray the diverse perspectives of these groups within the historical context. He stressed the importance of representing not just the presence of diverse individuals but also their unique worldviews.

Stolz-Zwilling clarified that the game's content wasn't dictated by publishers Plaion or Embracer, but rather shaped by community feedback and a commitment to historical accuracy. All elements, he emphasized, underwent rigorous fact-checking.

Pre-orders Remain Strong Despite Controversy

Addressing concerns about refunds, writer Daniel Vávra stated on Twitter (X) that pre-order returns remain consistent despite the controversy. He attributed recent lower Steam chart rankings to discounted competing titles, not the backlash. Vávra also debunked rumors of a Saudi Arabian ban, reiterating that the game's choices and consequences reflect the moral and social norms of the historical period and remain within the player's agency.

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