In the early days, there wasn’t a large budget, but there was a grand vision: a medieval role-playing game devoid of dragons, magic, or fantasy elements—but rich in dirt, blood, and history. When Warhorse Studios in Prague initially unveiled their concept for Kingdom Come: Deliverance, they faced skepticism. In an industry that flourishes on wands and superpowers, pursuing realism appeared to be a risky commercial move.
The new documentary about Kingdom Come 2 showcases, through striking visuals, how the developers resolutely adhered to their principles—and battled to develop a game that feels like a true journey through history. The camera follows the team back to their origins and illustrates the extent of frustration and bravery required to earn the trust of their audience.
Particularly compelling is the meticulous attention to sound design: from the clanging of authentic armor to the reverberation of footsteps in the castle—every noise was crafted with considerable care, many sourced directly from historical replicas. The music was not hastily assembled using software, but performed with traditional instruments and live ensembles.
Motion capture was equally far from standard practice. Actors like Tom McKay needed to not only give compelling performances but also frequently assume the “T-pose”—a technical requirement for digital post-production. The outcome is a fusion of theater and technology, past and future. Yet, the best is still on the horizon.
Kingdom Come 2: What lies at the heart of the new role-playing jewel
The pace accelerates in the documentary’s latter half—focused on the final moments leading up to the release of Kingdom Come 2. Tensions rise, to-do lists seem unending, and new bugs emerge constantly. It is during these times that the developers’ true essence shines through: camaraderie, resilience, and an unparalleled passion for their endeavor.
The documentary further unveils fresh insights into the franchise’s future. A third installment is officially unverified—but various signs suggest that Heinrich’s saga will progress. Preliminary concept ideas, AI-driven mechanics, and more dynamic narratives are already in development.
One small yet meaningful detail: the development studio planted real fruit trees on the premises—as a representation of forward-thinking. It complements the narrative well. For it seems that even Kingdom Come 2 is something meant to grow—and to endure.