Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 was our standout Game of the Year for 2025, a title we hailed as a "New RPG classic." While the game excels through its systemic gameplay and uncompromising design, much of its emotional weight stems from the relationship between Henry and Hans. The ability to pursue a romantic connection between them—interpreted through the lens of contemporary chivalric traditions—is one of the most well-executed elements of the experience.

This narrative depth has earned the title recognition at the 2026 Gayming Awards. Specifically, KCD2 is nominated for "Gayming Fan Favorite," while the character Hans is up for "Best LGBTQ+ Character Award."

Daniel Vávra Responds to LGBTQ+ Nominations

Creative director Daniel Vávra, who has transitioned from his role at Warhorse Studios to focus on a Kingdom Come film, reacted to the news on X. While he expressed being "really proud" of the Hans/Henry relationship, his response took a turn toward a lengthy critique of modern industry trends.

Vávra used the moment to distance the game from what he perceives as the "woke" era of gaming, drawing parallels to Hideo Kojima's famous "not a gay" commentary. He defended the implementation of queer themes by stating:

  • The romance was handled non-coercively and naturally.
  • The story is educational, showing how things truly were in the Middle Ages without idealizing them.
  • Players are given the choice to be themselves, similar to other quest paths.

"We made the gay community happy and gave them the CHOICE to be themselves," Vávra stated, adding that the inclusion of these romances was his personal decision and responsibility. However, he clarified that this does not mean he isn't "annoyed" by what he calls the "abundance of forced 'woke' nonsense in the entertainment industry."

The Tension Between Realism and Culture Wars

Vávra has long been a polarizing figure. During the release of the first Kingdom Come, his vocal support for the Gamergate movement made him a hero to certain segments of the gaming community who viewed him as a bulwark against "woke" content. Yet, that same demographic appears to have shifted their stance with KCD2.

The introduction of a prominent person of color and a queer romance in the sequel led to significant pushback from the very conservative groups that previously championed Vávra. This suggests that the debate is less about how content is implemented and more about its presence itself.

Ultimately, regardless of the director's personal politics or his stance on woke culture, the quality of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 remains undeniable. The game earns its accolades through authentic storytelling and a deeply written romance that feels earned within its historical setting.