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, 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. Stolz-Zwilling stated, "We've faced various criticisms over the years. It seems we're constantly being labeled, while our focus remains on creating an engaging 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 this sentiment, emphasizing that the team is not responsible for the controversy. "We believe that extreme voices are inherently dissatisfied," he commented.

The Historical Basis for KCD2's Diversity

KCD2's setting in Kuttenberg, Bohemia's financial center, naturally lends itself to a more diverse cast than its predecessor. Bittner explained, "Kuttenberg's status as the royal mint attracted people from various ethnic backgrounds." He highlighted the presence of diverse cultural elements, including Italian characters, German-speaking individuals, and a Jewish quarter, stating, "It's crucial to represent not only these diverse groups but also their unique perspectives, which are often overlooked in games claiming to be diverse."

Stolz-Zwilling emphasized that neither publisher Plaion nor Embracer Group influenced the game's content, attributing the approach to community feedback and meticulous research. "Every element included has undergone rigorous review," he clarified.

Pre-Orders Remain Strong Despite Controversy

Addressing rumors of refund requests following the backlash, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra stated on Twitter (X) that return rates remain consistent. He attributed the game's lower Steam chart position to concurrent discounted titles and the impact on pre-orders of other games, citing Monster Hunter: Wilds as an example.

Vávra previously refuted claims of a Saudi Arabian ban due to unskippable LGBTQ+ scenes, clarifying that the game's role-playing nature allows players agency in their choices and their subsequent consequences within the game's historical context.

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.