Kingdome Come 2's Diversity Reflects Historical Detail
Warhorse Studios Addresses Backlash Against Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's Increased Diversity
Warhorse Studios, developers of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), are addressing the recent online criticism surrounding the game's increased diversity. In a February 3, 2025 interview with PC Gamer, PR Manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling expressed frustration with the ongoing negative reactions. He stated that the team is consistently misrepresented and simply aims to create an engaging video game. The criticism centers around the inclusion of LGBTQ+ content and other elements perceived as "woke" by some players.
Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed Stolz-Zwilling's sentiments, suggesting that extreme viewpoints often overshadow constructive feedback. He emphasized that the development team is not the source of the problem.
KCD2's Diverse Setting: A Reflection of Historical Kuttenberg
The game's setting in Kuttenberg, Bohemia's historical financial center, naturally lends itself to a more diverse cast than its predecessor. Bittner explained that Kuttenberg's status as the royal mint attracted individuals from various ethnic backgrounds, resulting in a more inclusive representation of the era. He highlighted the inclusion of Italians, German-speaking characters, a Jewish quarter, and other elements reflective of the city's multicultural past. Bittner stressed the importance of accurately portraying not only the presence of these diverse groups but also their unique perspectives.
Stolz-Zwilling clarified that the game's content was not dictated by the publisher (Plaion or Embracer), but rather shaped by community feedback and a commitment to historical accuracy. He emphasized that every element included underwent rigorous fact-checking.
Pre-Orders Unaffected; Addressing Misinformation
Responding to rumors of widespread refunds due to the controversy, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra stated on Twitter (X) that return rates remain consistent. He attributed recent lower Steam chart rankings to discounted competitor titles, citing similar drops in pre-orders for other games. Vávra also refuted claims of a Saudi Arabian ban due to unskippable LGBTQ+ scenes, clarifying that the game is a role-playing experience where players are responsible for their in-game choices and their consequences within the game's historical context.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. For more details, visit our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 page.
