During a recent Reddit AMA, the developers behind Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 faced intense scrutiny regarding their use of generative AI. The discussion was heavily influenced by the recent departure of former Warhorse Studios translator Max Hejtmánek.

In March, Hejtmánek revealed his position had become "obsolete" as the studio pivoted to AI to increase efficiency and cut costs. He noted that while he had always been vocally against using AI for translation, he never expected it would cost him his job. The decision, according to Hejtmánek, "came as a huge shock."

The Controversy Surrounding AI and Translation

The dismissal of Hejtmánek took center stage during the AMA, with many fans demanding answers. Warhorse Studios initially responded with an HR-friendly statement, noting that because the issue touched on internal personnel matters, they could not comment on past or present employees.

However, creative director Prokop Jirsa did provide some clarity regarding the future of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and beyond. He stated that the studio is "currently in the process of hiring new English translators. Actual humans." Furthermore, he planned to have at least the same number of human translators on their next project as they had on the current title.

The studio's official stance remains that AI is not a substitute for human work. While some team members find AI useful during early production stages, the studio claims they do not use AI-generated content in the final game and have no plans to change this.

Brutal Questions and Studio Responses

The Reddit community did not hold back, posing several pointed questions to the developers:

  • One user asked which of the five developers could most easily be replaced by AI, to which the team responded: "Hopefully none of us, and never."
  • Fans questioned if the studio would use ChatGPT or Gemini Premium to translate future titles.
  • A translator expressed being "hurt and saddened" by Hejtmánek's dismissal.

Despite some calling the AMA a "train wreck," Prokop Jirsa defended the session. He noted that while the topic was "hot" in the office, the AMA provided an opportunity to "clear the air" and engage with gamers who care deeply about the industry.

UI Debates and Future Project Teasers

The conversation also touched on technical and future developments for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Designer Ondřej Bittner addressed the "Rabbit UI"—a system that indicates player safety—noting it caused significant internal controversy regarding immersion. Ultimately, the team kept it because playtesters found the stealth gameplay much more readable with the element present.

Looking ahead, the studio remained vague about upcoming releases. Bittner teased a new project coming in the "near future," describing it as a "huge, immersive RPG." While rumors of an open-world Lord of the Rings game persist, the team has not confirmed such a project.

Despite the recent tension, Warhorse Studios continues to receive industry recognition. Last week, the studio secured a 2026 BAFTA Games Award for Best Narrative.