Tag: Warhorse Studios

  • Warhorse Studios Announces New Kingdom Come Game and Open-World LOTR RPG

    Warhorse Studios Announces New Kingdom Come Game and Open-World LOTR RPG

    Key Takeaway

    – Warhorse Studios is developing two major projects: an open-world The Lord of the Rings RPG and a new Kingdom Come game.
    – The LOTR title is described as an open-world RPG with no confirmed gameplay details, release window, or platforms yet.
    – A new Kingdom Come game is in development, with unclear direction—whether it continues Henry’s story or pivots to a different path (notably lacking the “Deliverance” subtitle).
    – The news follows publisher Deep Silver’s mention in a financial report and comes after Kingdom Come: Deliverance II’s strong launch performance.

    Warhorse Studios, best known for the Kingdom Come: Deliverance series, has revealed that it is developing an open-world RPG based on The Lord of the Rings alongside a new Kingdom Come game. The Czech studio shared the news shortly after Kingdom Come: Deliverance II publisher Deep Silver mentioned the projects during its latest financial report.

    Open‑World LotR Project

    The Middle-earth title is described as an open-world RPG, although no gameplay details, release window, or platforms have been announced yet. Rumors suggested the project will feature a large-scale open world and immersive RPG mechanics similar to Warhorse’s previous games. The company has not released specific system requirements or pricing, which leaves fans waiting for more concrete information, yet expectations are running high for the scale and depth promised.

    Kingdom Come Continuation

    At the same time, the studio confirmed that a new Kingdom Come game is already in development. It is currently unknown whether the project will continue Henry’s story of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II or take the series in a different direction. But this is hinted at by the absence of the “Deliverance” subtitle in the name of the new Kingdom Come entry. Details on platforms, release date timelines, and narrative focus remain vague, fueling discussions among supporters about what form the next chapter might take.

    Past Success and Expectations

    Hopes are high for this new project, as Kingdom Come: Deliverance II was a major commercial and critical success for the studio, reportedly selling over 5 million copies within its first year. The strong reception has amplified anticipation for both the Lord of the Rings project and any potential continuation of the Deliverance universe, with fans eager to see how Warhorse might translate its historically grounded design philosophy into epic fantasy settings.


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  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Lead Designer Discusses RPG Mechanics and Player Rewards

    Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Lead Designer Discusses RPG Mechanics and Player Rewards

    Key Takeaway

    1. Warhorse Studios prioritizes deliberate difficulty and friction in gameplay to enhance players’ sense of achievement and immersion.
    2. The studio intentionally retains rough edges and challenge, believing overcoming friction makes players feel more accomplished.
    3. This design philosophy has been a core part of Warhorse’s approach since the early development of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, contributing to its reputation for realism and complexity.

    Prokop Jirsa’s Rise in Warhorse Studios

    Prokop Jirsa, recently appointed as the new creative director at Warhorse Studios, never really thought he would be climbing up the ranks when he initially joined back in 2014. Coming into the studio with just a degree in business and economics, he applied for a role as a “designer,” a loosely defined job title at the time in Czech. His journey was surprising, from being a novice in game design to now leading a team alongside Viktor Bocan. Inspired by his experience, Jirsa believes that making RPGs like Kingdom Come: Deliverance challenging and deliberately tough creates a more rewarding experience for players.

    Philosophy Behind Game Design

    In an interview with Czech Crunch, Jirsa shared insights on Warhorse’s core belief to embrace flaws and imperfections in their game development process. They prefer not to smooth over all the rough spots because these difficulties add depth to the gameplay. According to him, “The usual answer is, ‘OK, let’s get rid of the friction.’ We don’t operate that way here. We feel that if you overcome the friction, or the friction is intentionally there, then the friction helps you!” This perspective emphasizes that overcoming obstacles gives players a sense of achievement and satisfaction.

    Friction and Player Satisfaction

    He elaborated further, stating that “Because you overcome the friction, you feel better about yourself; you feel that you’ve overcome some actual problem or difficulty.” Jirsa’s approach aligns closely with the game’s mechanics, particularly in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, where players manually craft items like Fever Tonics or horseshoes during quests. This design principle intentionally makes the game more immersive and feel more authentic, even if it means players face a steeper challenge.

    Origins of Design Ethos in Kingdom Come

    Interestingly, this value of stubborn realism was embedded right from the early development of Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Warhorse Studios was a small, resource-limited startup that relied heavily on Kickstarter to develop a medieval RPG set in 15th-century Bohemia. Jirsa, as the lead designer, focused more on shaping the campaign to communicate their vision than on just quest design. Even though the game launched with bugs and some controversy, it gained a passionate following for its intricate mechanics and unwavering commitment to realism, setting it apart from more polished but less authentic titles.

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  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance Warhorse Studios on AI vs Human Work in Reddit AMA

    Kingdom Come: Deliverance Warhorse Studios on AI vs Human Work in Reddit AMA

    Key Takeaway

    1. Warhorse Studios denies using AI for final translations and emphasizes reliance on human translators, while expanding their translation team.
    2. The studio clarifies that AI is only used in early production stages and not in the final game content.
    3. Warhorse remains committed to human labor, aiming to preserve existing team members amid industry AI debates.
    4. The studio is working on a new, immersive RPG, but details about the project remain undisclosed.

    Developers Under Fire for AI Controversy

    Warhorse Studios, the talented team behind Kingdom Come: Deliverance, found themselves in the middle of a heated debate among gamers, especially those who are wary of AI’s role in game development. Last year, the studio faced major criticism when they unexpectedly fired a Czech-to-English translator, leading to angry reactions from the gaming crowd. Shortly after, during a Reddit AMA, questions about AI usage sparked lively discussions and some heated arguments.

    AI and Human Work – The Studio’s Position

    During the Reddit AMA, Warhorse repeatedly told fans that they does not see AI as replacement for Human work. They explained that AI tools are sometimes used during the early stages of development but emphasized that no AI-generated content is used in their final products. They also said they are planning to expand their team with more human translators, aiming to keep the authentic touch that only people can provide, especially for their next projects.

    Concerns About Job Security

    One of the most talked about questions was if team members can be replaced by AI. The studio responded with confidence, saying “Hopefully none of us, and never. And that applies to the whole team.” This shows their commitment to maintaining a human touch, in spite of the rumors and concerns swirling around AI’s role in gaming development.

    The Future of Warhorse Studios

    Aside from the translation issue, Warhorse also shared that they are working on a “huge immersive RPG”. But they remained quiet about whether it’s the third installment of Kingdom Come or a new Lord of the Rings game. Despite the ongoing AI controversy, the developers seem focused on creating engaging experiences while reassuring fans that human skills are still at the heart of their work.

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  • Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Update Adds Exclusive In-Game Armors

    Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Update Adds Exclusive In-Game Armors

    Key Takeaways

    1. Twitch drops reward viewers but can exclude gamers not on streaming sites; Warhorse addresses this by embedding items in the game.
    2. Players can earn rewards by accessing the DLCs & Extras section and linking their account using a QR code or URL.
    3. Rewards are unlocked by completing specific in-game challenges, with items appearing in the shared stash after the “Laboratores” mission.
    4. Players can earn two complete armor sets and additional items like the Alluring Wreath and Lords of Skalitz caparison through gameplay.
    5. Warhorse Studios ensures fair access to rewards for all players, regardless of previous event participation.

    Twitch drops are a popular method for game developers to reward viewers for watching live streams, but they can often leave some gamers behind, particularly those who don’t frequent streaming sites. Warhorse is addressing this concern by embedding these special items directly into the game, enabling players to earn them via conventional gameplay.

    How to Begin

    To start earning rewards, players should go to the DLCs & Extras section within the game and choose the PROS option. This will give them a QR code or a URL to link their account. After everything is set up, players can unlock rewards by finishing specific in-game challenges. The items won’t show up in the shared stash until after completing the mission “Laboratores,” although it might take as long as 24 hours for the progress of unlocking items to reflect in the game.

    What You Can Earn

    The newly available rewards feature two complete armor sets:

    Moreover, players can gain the Alluring Wreath by impressing three times in-game, and simply linking their PROS account will earn them the Lords of Skalitz caparison.

    By making these unique rewards accessible through gameplay, Warhorse Studios is making sure every player has a fair chance to earn them, regardless of their participation in previous events.

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    Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Update Adds Exclusive In-Game ArmorsKingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Update Adds Exclusive In-Game ArmorsKingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Update Adds Exclusive In-Game Armors
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  • Expansive Medieval RPG Offers Lively World Experience

    Expansive Medieval RPG Offers Lively World Experience

    In February 2018, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, the first game from Warhorse Studios, caught the attention of gamers with its true-to-life game world and immersive gameplay. The narrative centers around Henry, a young man who finds himself embroiled in a medieval Bohemian tale after the tragic loss of his home and family. Players will soon have the opportunity to don Henry’s armor once more, as the sequel, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, is scheduled for release on February 4.

    New Map Unveiled

    The review embargo for the initial of two maps has been lifted, and it certainly meets expectations. Set in what is now the Czech Republic, the Bohemian Paradise boasts vast forests, impressive rock formations, and an array of castles. The creators have skillfully recreated the region’s breathtaking natural beauty, showcasing it with lifelike graphics and vibrant characters. The map’s size is reportedly similar to that of the original game, Kingdom Come: Deliverance.

    Expansive New Region

    The second area of the game, inspired by the historical town of Kuttenberg, is said to be even more expansive. Although specific details are still secret, it is known that the map will encompass not just the town but also its broad surroundings. This marks a significant advancement for the developers at Warhorse Studios. In the first game, Rattay served as the main hub, resembling a large village. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 aims to roughly double the size of its predecessor, offering an estimated 80 to 100 hours of gameplay.

    Emphasis on Realism

    In their debut title, the developers intentionally steered clear of the fantasy tropes common in many role-playing games, choosing instead to create a realistic world set in medieval Europe. Henry must tend to basic needs like eating, sleeping, and maintaining his gear, occasionally visiting a bathhouse to keep clean. The condition of his equipment affects how NPCs perceive him; villagers show deference if he wears shiny armor, but will treat him like a beggar if he’s dressed in ragged clothes. The challenging combat mechanics have been improved, now featuring more realistic movements that elevate the entire experience.

    Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 will be released on February 4 and will come in two versions. The “Gold Edition,” which costs $79.99, includes access to three upcoming DLCs along with extra cosmetic items. The standard version will be available on Steam for $59.99.

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