Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has made waves in the gaming industry, rapidly approaching two million units sold across all platforms in less than two weeks since its launch. This impressive feat follows a remarkable milestone of one million units sold on its very first day. Such success has served as a poignant reminder for The Embracer Group, the parent company of developer Warhorse Studios, about the significance of delivering quality games that resonate with players.
Embracing Quality and Vision
In light of this achievement, Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors emphasized the importance of focusing on core competencies. “The success of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a reminder of our core—to bring great products to the market,” he stated. Wingefors highlighted the necessity for high-quality teams to have adequate resources and time to realize their creative visions. He expressed confidence that fostering such an environment ultimately benefits all stakeholders, including gamers, employees, and shareholders alike.
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. The Embracer Group has faced its share of setbacks, particularly with projects that strayed outside the company’s expertise. A notable example is Daedalic Entertainment, which had previously thrived in the realm of 2D adventure games. The studio’s pivot to the ambitious yet troubled project, The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, resulted in significant layoffs and a strategic shift away from developing its own titles.
Moreover, The Embracer Group was among the first major publishers to feel the impact of the ongoing layoffs plaguing the gaming industry. The cancellation of a new Deus Ex game, coupled with a series of layoffs, particularly stung given the company’s aggressive acquisition strategy in recent years, which included prominent names like Gearbox, Saber, Dark Horse Comics, and Eidos Montreal.
Yet, if the lesson learned from the success of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is that investing time and resources into quality games yields positive results, it may herald a more optimistic future for the industry. In this light, congratulations are in order for Warhorse Studios on their remarkable sales achievement, showcasing the potential of creativity and dedication in crafting engaging gaming experiences.
