Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Unveils Historically Accurate 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 enhanced diversity. In a February 3, 2025 interview with PC Gamer, PR Manager Tobias Stolz-Zwilling expressed frustration with the ongoing negative commentary. He stated, "We've been labeled this way, then that way. It feels like there's always a label, and we're just trying to make a cool videogame." 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, asserting that the development team isn't the source of the problem. "We believe the extreme voices are simply never satisfied," he commented.

The Enhanced Diversity of KCD2

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-speaking individuals, a Jewish quarter, and other cultural elements, emphasizing, "It's crucial to represent not only these diverse groups but also their unique perspectives, something often overlooked in games claiming to be diverse."

Stolz-Zwilling clarified that neither publisher Plaion nor Embracer Group dictated the inclusion of specific agendas. The game's approach was shaped by community feedback, with every element meticulously researched and verified. "Everything included has undergone rigorous review," he confirmed.

Pre-Orders Remain Unaffected

Addressing rumors of refund requests following the controversy, KCD2 Writer Daniel Vávra stated on Twitter (X) that return rates remain consistent. He attributed the game's lower position on Steam charts to concurrent sales of discounted titles, citing Monster Hunter: Wilds as a similar example.

Vávra also 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 accountability for their actions 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.