Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has been crowned PC Gamer’s game of the year for 2025, a recognition that underscores the title’s remarkable impact on the gaming landscape. Warhorse Studios, the creative force behind this historical RPG, has crafted a narrative rich with compelling characters and a plot that lingers in the minds of players long after they’ve put down the controller. The game also offers a vast array of interactions, including a multitude of shopkeepers, each waiting to be engaged with in various ways.
Embracing a Mature Gaming Experience
In a recent conversation, Martin Klima, co-founder of Warhorse and executive producer of KCD2, shared insights into the game’s significance. He noted a broader trend within the gaming industry towards titles that take a more serious and mature approach, moving away from the hand-holding often found in many contemporary games. “This game is serious about taking players seriously,” Klima remarked, highlighting how KCD2 aligns with the evolving expectations of gamers today.
As the gaming audience matures, so too do their preferences. Klima observed that the “deep gaming audience”—a demographic that includes seasoned players—has developed a taste for experiences that challenge them and encourage exploration. “In general, I think you can only eat so much popcorn,” he explained. “Once you discover that there is more rarefied food available, then you are no longer so keen on popcorn.” This evolution in player tastes over the last decade has paved the way for games that offer depth and complexity.
Drawing parallels with other successful titles like Elden Ring, Klima emphasized the joy of discovery that comes from navigating a world filled with hidden treasures and challenges. “When you do it yourself, you have an amazing feeling of discovery and an amazing feeling of competence,” he said. This sentiment resonates deeply with KCD2, as it allows players to feel intelligent and capable while exploring the intricacies of its richly crafted environment.
In this way, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 not only stands as a testament to Warhorse’s commitment to quality storytelling and gameplay but also reflects a significant shift in the gaming industry towards more sophisticated and engaging experiences.
