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

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

Warhorse Studios is pushing back against criticism surrounding the increased diversity in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2). In a recent interview with PC Gamer (February 3, 2025), 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 someone's always trying to label us, and we're just trying to make a great game." This 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, stating, "We believe the extreme voices are simply never satisfied."

The Historical Basis for KCD2's Diversity

The game's setting in Kuttenberg, Bohemia's financial center, explains its diverse population. Bittner explained, "Kuttenberg's status as the royal mint attracted people from various ethnic backgrounds." He highlighted the presence of Italians, German speakers, a Jewish quarter, and more, emphasizing, "It's crucial to represent not only these diverse individuals but also their unique perspectives, something often missing in games claiming to be diverse."

Stolz-Zwilling confirmed that neither publisher Plaion nor Embracer Group dictated the game's content; the team's approach was shaped by community feedback, with every inclusion thoroughly vetted. "Everything included is meticulously researched and verified," he assured.

Pre-orders Remain Strong Despite Controversy

Addressing rumors of refund requests, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra tweeted that return rates remain consistent despite the controversy. He attributed lower Steam chart rankings to concurrent sales of discounted games, citing Monster Hunter: Wilds as another example of pre-order sales impacted by this factor. Vávra also refuted claims of a Saudi Arabian ban due to unskippable LGBTQ+ scenes, emphasizing that KCD2 is an RPG where player choices and their consequences reflect the game's historical setting and social norms.

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