**Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Developer Responds to Controversy and Elaborates on Game’s Vision**
In the continuously changing landscape of gaming, controversies and speculations can often gain a life of their own, particularly in the realm of social media. Recently, Daniel Vávra, co-founder of Warhorse Studios, found himself addressing an unusual rumor regarding the eagerly awaited sequel to *Kingdom Come: Deliverance*. The assertion? That *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* had been banned in Saudi Arabia due to a supposed unskippable gay cutscene. Vávra promptly moved to refute the misinformation, clarifying the facts while also providing insight into the studio’s creative vision for the game.
### **Refuting the Speculations**
The uproar commenced when a Saudi news outlet disseminated a tweet that rapidly circulated across social media and gaming forums. The post claimed that *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* was prohibited in Saudi Arabia because of an unskippable gay cutscene. However, Vávra dismissed these assertions, asserting that the game does not feature any unskippable cutscenes and has not faced bans in any country. “At least not as far as we know,” he humorously remarked, addressing the unfounded nature of the rumor.
Vávra also took this moment to clarify the game’s treatment of LGBTQ+ representation. He confirmed that players will be allowed the option to pursue same-sex relationships if they wish, but stressed that all romantic engagements in the game are entirely optional. This design choice reflects the studio’s dedication to player choice, enabling gamers to define their narrative experiences. He further indicated that the game’s characters are crafted to mirror the societal norms of 15th-century Bohemia, where such relationships were often considered taboo.
### **An Expanded Narrative**
One criticism leveled at the original *Kingdom Come: Deliverance* was its limited diversity, especially given its historical backdrop in medieval Europe. Warhorse Studios seems to have taken this criticism into account, as Vávra shared that *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* will showcase a more varied ensemble of characters. The sequel transitions its setting from rural areas to a vibrant, international city under threat from foreign invaders, providing a natural opportunity to introduce characters from a multitude of cultural and ethnic heritages.
Among the new characters is Musa, an educated noble from the Kingdom of Mali who joins the royal court in Bohemia. Vávra described Musa as a character that adds unique elements to the narrative, both from his background and his interactions with others. “There is a reason for the way he speaks and behaves,” Vávra explained, highlighting that Musa’s presence is rooted in historical authenticity rather than an attempt to appease contemporary sensibilities.
Despite this, Vávra also spoke to the ongoing cultural discussions surrounding “forced diversity” in media. He emphasized that the game’s story remains faithful to the social conventions of 15th-century Bohemia, a period with its own distinct cultural and societal intricacies. This strategy, he contended, allows for a more genuine storytelling experience while still seizing the opportunity to explore diverse viewpoints.
### **Opposing Hateful Narratives**
In his concluding thoughts, Vávra conveyed concern over the divisive language that often accompanies conversations about representation and inclusion in gaming. He specifically criticized the conduct of certain groups who claim to oppose “woke” narratives but engage in hateful and toxic behavior. “The amount of hateful behavior is really sad and will undermine any cause associated with it,” he stated, calling for more constructive and respectful discussions within the gaming community.
Vávra’s remarks resonate with similar challenges encountered by other developers, such as Ubisoft, which has faced backlash for perceived “wokeness” in its titles. These discussions underscore the broader cultural tensions within the gaming world, where the push for heightened inclusivity often meets vocal resistance from specific audience segments.
### **Looking Forward**
As excitement grows for *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, Warhorse Studios appears devoted to crafting a game that harmonizes historical accuracy with a more inclusive and varied narrative. By tackling rumors directly and engaging with the community, Vávra and his team are laying the groundwork for a sequel that not only builds on its predecessor’s strengths but also embraces the nuances of modern storytelling.
While the path to release may be filled with challenges, one thing is evident: *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* is poised to ignite meaningful dialogues about history, representation, and the evolving function of video games as a storytelling medium. Whether it can successfully navigate the cultural complexities of contemporary gaming discourse remains uncertain, but Warhorse Studios seems resolute in facing the challenge.