Kingdom Come studio Warhorse: the role of AI and difficulty design

A recent interview with Prokop Jirsa, Warhorse’s new creative director and the studio behind Kingdom Come, sheds light on the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) in the games industry, as well as the team’s approach to game design when it comes to difficulty. These topics matter to both developers and players, given the impact they have on enjoyment and accessibility.

Artificial intelligence in game development

The discussion around artificial intelligence in game development has become increasingly prominent in recent years, especially with the rise of genAI technologies. Prokop Jirsa has shared his personal view on these tools, acknowledging both their benefits and their risks.

Jirsa says that while he understands the concerns around using AI for artistic creation, he believes AI can be very useful in other areas of development. He points to AI-assisted programming and the rapid generation of concept art as examples of how AI can help in the development process. “Even if you’re not a programmer, you can code small things that help you,” he explains.

However, he is also critical of the overly optimistic expectations many people have about what AI can do. “The hype is way too high these days. I believe it’s transformative technology, but not as useful as some people think, especially in the short term,” Jirsa says. He expects AI adoption and its impact to follow a path similar to the rise of the internet, which also did not transform every business model overnight.

Cost-cutting and staffing

On the staffing side, Warhorse has also faced some controversy. The studio has recently been accused of firing a translator to cut costs. Jirsa, however, says he cannot comment on the matter and points out that it is a private issue. This raises questions about ethics and the impact of financial considerations in the games industry, especially when it comes to retaining talent.

Difficulty design in games

Another key topic Jirsa addresses is Warhorse’s approach to difficulty in game design. He explains that playtesting has shown some players becoming frustrated by challenging sections in the games. This can lead them to decide to stop playing altogether. Despite that feedback, however, Warhorse does not aim to remove this “friction.”

“If you overcome the friction, you feel better about yourself. You’ve really overcome a problem or challenge,” Jirsa says. This highlights the team’s philosophy, which is that these challenges can provide players with a more rewarding experience, even if it means some gamers find the gameplay difficult or frustrating.

Jirsa acknowledges that this carries a risk: “We’ll lose players who are not into friction at all; they just want a smooth experience. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But we’re intentionally different.”

The future of Warhorse and Kingdom Come

Warhorse has released two games so far: Kingdom Come: Deliverance and the upcoming sequel. The studio is currently working on a “big, immersive RPG,” with expectations high that it could include a story connected to The Lord of the Rings. Jirsa’s approach to AI, difficulty, and the overall game experience will hopefully help shape the development of this new title.