Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: Warhorse Studios Faces Backlash Over AI Localization Shift

Max Hejtmánek, a former developer at Warhorse Studios, claims he was replaced by AI for localization tasks on *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, sparking controversy in the gaming community.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, Warhorse Studios has decided to implement artificial intelligence for all localization tasks in *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*. This decision follows the unexpected termination of Czech-to-English translator Max Hejtmánek, who claims he was replaced by AI without prior warning.

AI Takes the Spotlight

Hejtmánek took to Reddit to share his experience, stating that he was informed during a meeting that his position would become ‘obsolete’ as the studio aimed to ‘make the company more effective’ and ‘save finances.’ He expressed his shock at the decision, noting that while discussions about AI in translation had occurred previously, he never anticipated it would lead to his job loss.

Details of the Termination

According to Hejtmánek, he had been a part of Warhorse Studios since July 2022, contributing significantly to the dialogue, quest logs, item names, and marketing materials for *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* and its DLCs. His identity was verified by moderators of the *Kingdom Come* subreddit, lending credibility to his claims. As of now, Warhorse Studios has not publicly commented on the situation.

Industry Backlash

The use of AI in game development has become a contentious issue, with many developers facing backlash for incorporating generative AI into their projects. Just recently, *Crimson Desert* faced criticism for using AI to create in-game art assets. The controversy surrounding AI’s role in creative processes raises questions about the future of game development and the potential impact on jobs within the industry.

Critical Acclaim and Controversy

*Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* was released to critical acclaim in February 2025, earning nominations for Best Narrative, Game of the Year, and Best Role Playing Game at The Game Awards 2025. However, the decision to use AI for localization has disappointed many fans and industry observers, who worry about the implications for creative writing and authenticity in gaming.

Interestingly, the head of Warhorse Studios recently defended Nvidia’s DLSS5 AI technology, suggesting that the studio’s pivot towards AI may not be entirely surprising. As the conversation around AI in gaming continues to evolve, the community remains watchful of how these developments will shape the industry.

This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.

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