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 the criticism surrounding the increased diversity in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2), emphasizing their commitment to historical accuracy and their desire to create an engaging game. In a recent interview with PC Gamer (February 3, 2025), PR Manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling addressed the controversy: "Several years ago, we were labeled one way; now it's another. It seems we're constantly being labeled, and we're just trying to make a great game." This statement followed 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, stating, "We believe the extreme voices are simply never satisfied."

The Historical Context of KCD2's Diversity

The game's setting in Kuttenberg, Bohemia's financial center, naturally lends itself to a more diverse population than previous installments. 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 other cultural elements, emphasizing, "It's crucial not just to include these diverse groups but also to authentically represent their perspectives, something often missing in games claiming to be diverse."

Stolz-Zwilling clarified that neither Plaion nor Embracer, the publishers, dictated the inclusion of specific agendas. The development team's approach to KCD2 was shaped by community feedback, and Stolz-Zwilling affirmed, "Everything included is thoroughly researched and verified."

Pre-Orders Remain Strong Despite Controversy

Addressing rumors of refunds and a negative impact on sales, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra refuted these claims on Twitter (X), stating that return rates remain consistent despite the controversy. He attributed the game's lower position on Steam charts to concurrent discounts on competing titles. Vávra also dismissed rumors of a ban in Saudi Arabia due to LGBTQ+ content, emphasizing the game's role-playing nature and player agency: "It's a ROLE-PLAYING GAME; players' choices and their consequences are entirely their responsibility, reflecting the moral and social norms of the era."

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.