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, stating, "Several years ago, we were branded one way; now another. It seems we're constantly being labeled, while we're just focused on creating 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 this sentiment, emphasizing that the team's intentions are not the source of the controversy. "We believe the extreme voices are simply never satisfied," he commented.

KCD2's Diverse Setting: A Reflection of Kuttenberg's History

The game'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 inclusion of Italian characters, German-speaking individuals, a Jewish quarter, and more, emphasizing, "It's crucial to represent not only these diverse individuals but also their unique perspectives, something often overlooked in games claiming diversity."

Stolz-Zwilling confirmed that neither publisher Plaion nor Embracer Group influenced the game's content, attributing the approach to community feedback and meticulous research. "Everything included has been thoroughly vetted," he stated.

Pre-Orders Remain Strong Despite Controversy

Addressing rumors of refund requests following the backlash, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra tweeted that return rates remain consistent. He attributed the game's lower Steam chart position to concurrent discounts on several popular titles, citing similar drops in pre-orders for Monster Hunter: Wilds. Vávra also refuted claims of a Saudi Arabian ban due to unskippable LGBTQ+ scenes, clarifying that the game's RPG nature allows players agency and accountability for their in-game choices within the context of the historical setting.

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