Kingdom Come: Deliverance, developed by Warhorse Studios under the vision of Daniel Vávra, is a groundbreaking medieval RPG that emphasizes historical authenticity over fantasy elements. Launched in 2018, the game immerses players in 15th-century Bohemia, featuring a realistic combat system and survival mechanics. Following its success, a sequel is set for release on February 4, 2025, promising enhanced graphics, improved gameplay, and a commitment to the realism that defined the original.
The Origins of Kingdom Come: Deliverance
To truly appreciate the captivating journey of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, it’s essential to delve into the origins of its creator, Warhorse Studios. Every compelling tale has a starting point, and this medieval adventure is no exception, hinging on the vision of a singular individual: Daniel Vávra. A well-known screenwriter and game designer, Vávra made his mark with the iconic Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven. His ambition was clear: to craft a game that defied convention, one that would transport players to a bygone era devoid of clichés and artifices.
In the year 2011, nestled in the Czech Republic—a nation where major video game studios are a rarity—Vávra, along with industry veteran Martin Klíma, who previously founded Altar Games, began laying the groundwork for their ambitious project. Their dream was both simple and audacious: to create an open-world medieval RPG rich in historical authenticity. This precise vision was destined to set their game apart.
Overcoming Challenges in Game Development
Embarking on the journey to develop an RPG without dragons, magic, or fantastical elements was a radical concept for its time. In an era dominated by popular franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Dragon Age, this decision stood out as bold and potentially risky. What would compel players to forgo the familiar tropes that had defined successful role-playing games?
For Vávra, the answer was crystal clear: Kingdom Come: Deliverance needed to offer an unparalleled level of immersion, accurately depicting the realities of 15th-century Bohemia. To bring this vision to life, it was crucial not only to attract investors but also to assemble a skilled team capable of realizing this ambitious idea.
In January 2014, Warhorse Studios launched a Kickstarter campaign aimed at partially funding Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Initially seeking £300,000, the campaign achieved this target in under 36 hours, ultimately raising over £1 million thanks to the enthusiasm of 35,000 backers. This overwhelming support was largely due to the studio’s transparency and passion, as Vávra and his team articulated their vision through heartfelt videos, emphasizing their commitment to creating an authentic world steeped in historical detail.
With the newfound funding, Warhorse was able to expand its team, initially composed of eleven members, to nearly 100 skilled professionals, including medieval historians and expert animators in combat. Collaborations with museums and historical reenactors further ensured the authenticity of the game’s weaponry, armor, and environments, with combat techniques inspired by actual historical fencing.
The long-awaited release of Kingdom Come: Deliverance in 2018 was not just a launch; it was the culmination of an extraordinary journey. Warhorse Studios delivered on its promise of total immersion in a politically charged 15th-century Bohemia, where players navigate a world filled with intrigue and conflict.
In this game, players step into the shoes of Henry, a humble blacksmith’s son, encountering a richly detailed world without the embellishments of magic or mythical creatures. Every village, castle, and pathway showcases meticulous historical research, offering a genuine dive into history. The realism permeated all aspects of the game, including a combat system that demanded strategy, timing, and precision, contrasting sharply with the oversimplified fighting mechanics often found in other RPGs. Players had to manage basic needs like hunger and sleep, making every decision impactful, as neglecting a crucial detail could lead to dire consequences.
Despite facing criticism for technical glitches at launch, Warhorse Studios proved its dedication by promptly addressing these issues with a series of updates, transforming a rocky start into a remarkable success story, with over 8 million copies sold—a phenomenal achievement for an independent studio.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance resonated with players because it possessed a soul. Warhorse chose not to follow trends or imitate industry giants, but instead focused on providing an authentic and immersive experience without compromises. This bold decision to shun fantasy in favor of historical accuracy paid off, as every choice in the game had real consequences, reflecting the complexities of life.
Anticipating Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Following the success of its predecessor, the announcement of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 in 2024 felt almost inevitable. However, rather than resting on their laurels, Warhorse Studios aimed higher than ever before. With a development team twice the size and increased resources, their ambition is to create an even larger and more detailed open world.
The sequel promises enhanced graphics, thanks to an upgraded game engine, and more fluid animations. The already impressive combat system is set to receive numerous refinements, while social interactions and side quests will be more dynamic than ever. Importantly, Warhorse Studios has committed to maintaining the core principles that made the first game a success: unwavering realism and immersive storytelling.
Fans eagerly await the sequel, and expectations are sky-high, fueled by the triumph of the first installment. Warhorse Studios appears poised to meet this challenge, driven by the same passion and meticulous attention to detail that propelled Kingdom Come: Deliverance to global acclaim.
Scheduled for release on February 4, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is set to be one of the most ambitious RPGs in recent memory. One thing is certain: the legacy of Henry and his medieval world is in capable hands.