Warhorse Studios is leaning into its unique identity, even if it means alienating a segment of the gaming audience. The developer behind the acclaimed Kingdom Come: Deliverance series has long been known for a punishing level of realism, and the studio's leadership is embracing the idea that intentional difficulty is core to their DNA.

Embracing Friction in Game Design

In a recent interview with PC Gamer, Warhorse’s new creative director, Prokop Jirsa, discussed how the studio views player struggle differently than its competitors. While most developers aim to eliminate "friction points" during playtesting, Warhorse sees these moments as essential for player satisfaction.

Jirsa explained that traditional playtesting often identifies where players become confused or angry and suggest removing those hurdles. However, Warhorse takes a different path:

  • Identifying Friction: Developers track exactly when players get frustrated or consider quitting.
  • Intentional Difficulty: Instead of smoothing out the experience, the team keeps these obstacles to create a sense of genuine achievement.
  • Player Reward: Overcoming a difficult mechanic allows players to feel they have solved an actual problem rather than just following a guided path.

"We feel if you overcome the friction, or the friction is intentionally there… then the friction helps you!" Jirsa noted. "Because you overcome the friction, you feel better about yourself."

Why Kingdom Come: Deliverance Is Intentionally Difficult

This philosophy explains why the Kingdom Come: Deliverance series stands apart from modern, often overly streamlined RPGs. The studio acknowledges that their design choice comes with a trade-off regarding player retention.

Jirsa admitted that they will inevitably lose players who are looking for a seamless, frictionless experience. While acknowledging that "smooth experiences" have their place in the industry, he emphasized that being intentionally different is what defines Warhorse. This approach is expected to be a cornerstone of the upcoming Kingdom Come 2, which aims to build upon the mechanical depth of its predecessor.

The Future of Warhorse Studios

As the studio prepares for its next chapter, much of the focus remains on the evolution of their storytelling and combat systems. While the original title saw massive success, the studio has navigated recent transitions, including former director Daniel Vávra stepping down to focus on a film adaptation of the franchise.

Despite rumors regarding potential projects like a Lord of the Rings RPG, the immediate priority is clearly the continued mastery of historical immersion through their signature, high-friction design.