Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Reflects Medieval Diversity

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

Warhorse Studios, the developers behind Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), are pushing back against recent online criticism regarding 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, "Several years ago, we were branded one way; now another. It seems we're constantly being labeled, while we're just trying to create a compelling game." This statement follows criticism from some quarters labeling the game's inclusion of LGBTQ+ content and other elements as "woke."

Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed Stolz-Zwilling's sentiments, suggesting that the extreme negative feedback is simply unavoidable. He commented, "We believe the most vocal critics will always find something to complain about."

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 population than previous entries in the series. Bittner explained, "Kuttenberg's status as the royal mint attracted people from various ethnic backgrounds." This historical context explains the presence of diverse characters, including Italians, German speakers, and a Jewish quarter, reflecting the city's cosmopolitan nature. Bittner emphasized the importance of representing not only diverse characters but also their unique perspectives, which he feels are often overlooked in games marketed as diverse.

Stolz-Zwilling clarified that Warhorse Studios' approach to KCD2 was driven by community feedback, not directives from their publisher, Plaion or Embracer. He stated, "Everything included in the game has been thoroughly researched and vetted."

Pre-Orders Remain Strong Despite Controversy

Addressing rumors of refund requests following the backlash, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra tweeted that return rates remain consistent with previous releases. He attributed the game's lower position on Steam charts to concurrent sales of discounted titles, citing the impact on Monster Hunter: Wilds pre-orders as a comparable example.

Vávra also refuted claims of a Saudi Arabian ban due to unskippable LGBTQ+ content, emphasizing the game's role-playing nature and the player's agency in shaping their character's actions and facing the consequences within the game's historical context. He stated, "It's a ROLE-PLAYING GAME; players are responsible for their choices and the resulting consequences within the game's moral and social framework."

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is currently available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. For more information, visit our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 page.