When Daniel Vávra first pitched Kingdom Come: Deliverance to publishers, he had a bold tagline in mind: “a medieval Red Dead Redemption with swords.” Today, those words seem more prophetic than promotional, as the sequel, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, has exploded in popularity and critical acclaim.
Within its first month of release, the game sold over 2 million copies, outselling the original fivefold. That alone would be impressive—but what’s more surprising is the reason behind its success.
In a recent interview with The Game Business, Vávra explained that the core driver of the game’s momentum isn’t just its RPG mechanics or massive open world—but its storytelling.
🎮 A Gritty Historical RPG That Rivals the Greats
While many RPGs veer into fantasy or sci-fi, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 grounds itself in historical realism, transporting players to 1403 Bohemia. You play as Henry of Skalitz, a blacksmith’s son thrust into a world of revenge, betrayal, and political strife as he hunts down King Sigismund of Luxembourg.
Critics have hailed the title as a story-rich masterpiece, comparable to genre-defining franchises like The Witcher and, of course, Red Dead Redemption—which Vávra himself cites as storytelling inspiration.
🔧 A Vast Improvement Over the Original
One of the original Kingdom Come’s biggest criticisms was its buggy launch. Warhorse Studios clearly took that to heart. This time, the game released with minimal technical issues, and fans were quick to notice the polish.
🤖 Looking Forward: AI and the Future of Game Development
Interestingly, Vávra also touched on the role of AI in future game design, noting its potential to streamline development workflows and create even more immersive worlds faster than ever before.
Though still rooted in historical events and grounded realism, Vávra’s vision of the future includes modern tools—and his success with Deliverance 2 shows how blending authentic storytelling with innovation can create a modern classic.
With a blend of authentic medieval history, relatable characters, and compelling storytelling, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has firmly carved its place in RPG history. It’s not just “Red Dead Redemption with swords.” It’s something even more unique—a brutal, beautiful glimpse into a past that feels all too real.