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, developers of 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, "Several years ago, we were branded one way; now it's another. It feels like we're constantly being labeled, while we're just trying to create a compelling video game." This follows criticism from some fans and critics regarding the inclusion of LGBTQ+ content and other elements perceived as "woke."

Senior Game Designer Ondřej Bittner echoed Stolz-Zwilling's sentiments, asserting that the team isn't responsible for the controversy. "We believe the most 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 cast than its predecessor. Bittner explained, "Kuttenberg, being the royal mint, attracted people from various ethnic backgrounds." This resulted in a more internationally diverse population than previously depicted in the series, including Italians, German speakers, and a Jewish quarter. Bittner emphasized, "It's crucial not only to include diverse characters, but also to authentically represent their unique perspectives, something often missing in games claiming to be diverse."

Stolz-Zwilling clarified that neither publisher Plaion nor Embracer Group mandated the inclusion of specific social agendas. The team's approach to KCD2 was shaped solely by community feedback, with every element meticulously researched and verified. "Everything included is thoroughly researched and fact-checked," he confirmed.

Pre-Orders Remain Unaffected

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 position on Steam charts to concurrent sales of discounted 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, emphasizing the game's RPG nature and player agency. "It's a role-playing game; players are responsible for their choices and the consequences within the game's historical context," he stated.

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