Medieval RPG from Warhorse Studios Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 was considered “too hard” by some of its audience, but not necessarily because of its traditional difficulty design, as well as its uncompromising approach to realism and authenticity. As with most games, the more time players invest in it, the more skilled they and Henry become, KCD2become a hero. As a result, the game gets easier over time, though it has more to do with the player's experience than any XP or gear based progression system. But that's the problem Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is so challenging from the start that some players just don't want to put in the effort it takes to get past the challenge threshold. But without it, the integrity of the game would be compromised.
This is a reality that the developer of Warhorse is fully aware of, as he did not set out to create a game that was liked for its simplicity, but appreciated and admired for its authenticity. in that sense Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 it is secure in itself and what it wants to be, regardless of any criticism leveled at it for being too difficult from a certain point of view. In a recent interview with GameRant, design director Viktor Bocan confirmed this sentiment when he admitted without pretense that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 it's just not for everyone.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2's design director knows it's not for everyone
When starting a new game in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2players are greeted with a slow, grueling process of what is essentially like learning how to play again. This is because a medieval RPG is played like nothing else, so any old habits players bring with them are forced to change, and if they don't, those players may feel like leaving the game altogether.
Launching into combat too quickly or spamming the attack button can have adverse effects Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Henry is as ordinary as they come, with no special powers or secret weapon to get him out of danger. Ultimately, it comes down to the game's philosophy of what makes a good RPG, which Bocan says is an unprecedented amount of freedom. The catch, however, is that freedom to such an extent requires the protagonist to be a blank canvas. Ultimately, this means making Henry as normal as possible, which inadvertently leads to a more challenging experience than players may be familiar with.
But than apologizing Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Unconventional gameplay and what appeared to be a high skill curve among some players, Bocan doubled down on its design during our interview with him, making a statement that is increasingly rare at a time when player dissatisfaction seems to be at an all-time high. The design director stated:
“It always amuses me when I read on forums or social media that a fight is very hard and someone else immediately comes up and says, 'You need to train. If the fight is hard, you need to gain some levels. Here are some people on the map that you can find and train with, and then you'll get better.' And then they're like, “What? I'm practicing in real life. This is a game. I want to have fun. I don't want to train in a game. I don't need to learn something in a game.” I get it. They don't want it. They don't have time for that. But it's obviously not a game for them. Or maybe the fight isn't for them.”
Whether he realizes it or not, Bocan has pointed out one of the most glaring complexities of the modern gaming industry and the players who invest in it. The truth is that players often approach games with the expectation that challenge should turn into comfort, that any friction should be optional, and that fun is an objective quality. But games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 make resistance the whole point rather than an obstacle to be overcome.
Basically, it asks players to meet it where it is, not where they wish it, because changing that relationship would fundamentally change what the experience is meant to express. At some point availability ceases to suit all preferences and begins to become erosion. A game that knows what it's willing to lose to stay honest may frustrate some of its audience, but it also maintains the very identity that gives it meaning.
Games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 make resistance the whole point rather than an obstacle to be overcome.
That's what Bocan would call this idea Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is too harsh a “fundamental misunderstanding” of the game. In short, it's really too hard for those who aren't willing to accept the idea that freedom always comes at the cost of hard work. IN Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2it looks like he's taken the blank canvas that is Henry and learned a thing or two, even if he gets some scrapes and bruises along the way. Bocan continued:
“In our game, you have to learn. You have to train yourself as a player and you have to train your character. Henry also needs to learn, so you really need to train with some master swordsmen and improve his skills and your skills. That's something that's an important part of the game for us because we really wanted to bring you a character who doesn't know anything at the beginning and you have to train him, we get paid for this game, but we get paid for it.” I want to be a swordsman. I don't want to pay money and then train to be a swordsman.” But that's a fundamental misunderstanding. We've created a game where you can be whoever you want, but to get something, you have to give something.”
It all boils down to one simple truth o Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: at the end of the day, it's a game built on reciprocity. It gives players enormous freedom, but expects something in return, be it patience, humility, or a willingness to learn within its systems rather than trying to work around them with fantastic heroics. For some, this exchange can be immensely rewarding, as progress can be made through understanding rather than shortcuts. For others, it may be an unnecessary burden. Warhorse has made peace with this divide, creating a clear line between a game that wants to please everyone and a game that is determined to be itself.
- Released
-
February 4, 2025
- ESRB
-
Adults 17+ / Use of alcohol, blood and gore, sexual content, strong language, intense violence, partial nudity
- Developers
-
Warhorse Studios
