Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: new developments and controversies

Warhorse Studios, the developer behind the popular RPG "Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2", is currently in the spotlight thanks to both exciting developments and controversies. Since the game’s launch in February 2025, which was met with positive reactions, rumors have been circulating about a possible new project set in the world of "The Lord of the Rings". At the same time, reports about the use of artificial intelligence have caused some unrest within the community.

Rumors about a new RPG

Recently, Warhorse Studios did not deny that it is working on a new game, which could potentially take place in the universe of "The Lord of the Rings". Ondřej Bittner, the studio’s content director, said in a Reddit AMA that the team is "working hard on something," but that details cannot yet be revealed. He stressed that the next project will be "a huge, immersive RPG" that stays true to the studio’s style.

Fans of "The Lord of the Rings" are eagerly awaiting a major, high-quality video game, especially after recent titles in the franchise failed to meet expectations. Embracer, Warhorse’s parent company, owns the rights to the gaming license for "The Lord of the Rings", which has only fueled the speculation further. Bittner’s vague comments leave the door open to a possible project in Middle-earth, although there has been no formal confirmation from the studio.

Controversy over AI

The implementation of artificial intelligence in Warhorse’s development processes has sparked questions and debate within the gaming community. In March 2026, Max Hejtmánek revealed during a Reddit discussion that his position as English editor and voice-over director had been eliminated because AI would take over his role for future translations. This triggered a wave of criticism during a follow-up Reddit AMA, where the studio focused on defending its choices.

During the AMA, which included five senior team members, most questions centered on the AI controversy and its impact on staff. The developers explained that while AI can be useful in certain stages of development, they do not use AI-generated content in the final game and are hiring new staff for the translation team. The community’s negative reaction shows a strong distrust of AI in game development.

Future outlook

Looking ahead, Warhorse’s future plans appear both promising and challenging. The successful reception of "Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2" in 2025 may give the studio room to pursue a more ambitious project, such as an open-world RPG in the style of "The Lord of the Rings". However, it is also clear that the company will need to repair its reputation after the AI debate.

With the possibility of an announcement in the "near future", Warhorse could once again have both historical RPG fans and the "Lord of the Rings" community on the edge of their seats. Expectations are high, and the studio will need to balance innovation with maintaining player trust.

While we wait for more details about their next project and the impact of their recent decisions, it is clear that Warhorse Studios is going through a crucial period. The studio’s future depends on its ability to navigate these challenges while continuing to deliver on its promise of immersive RPG experiences.