In a recent development that has stirred conversations within the gaming community, a former translator and localizer for Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has publicly shared their experience of being let go by Warhorse Studios. The individual, known as Max H on Reddit, claims their position was deemed “obsolete” as the studio shifts towards utilizing AI for future translations.
Unexpected Changes at Warhorse Studios
Max, who dedicated nearly four years to translating the expansive RPG from Czech to English, recounted the abrupt nature of their dismissal. They were summoned to a meeting on March 27, where they were informed that the company was moving towards AI-driven solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. This decision, they noted, came as a significant shock, especially given their previous discussions with management regarding the potential use of AI in translation tasks.
In their Reddit post, Max expressed feelings of betrayal, stating, “I feel incredibly betrayed by the management of the company I’ve come to care about greatly these past almost four years.” They lamented the loss of daily interactions with colleagues and friends, emphasizing the broader implications of AI adoption in the gaming industry. “The growing use of AI greatly affects people in the game industry and many others,” Max remarked, urging the community to consider how such decisions reflect on employee value and workplace culture.
Despite the emotional weight of their situation, Max clarified their intentions, stating, “I won’t be breaking my NDA, nor am I looking for my job back or to start legal issues, but you can be damn sure I won’t keep quiet about my experience.” They extended well wishes to former colleagues, hoping they would not face similar circumstances.
Community Response and Industry Implications
The post quickly gained traction, leading to an outpouring of support from the gaming community. Max acknowledged the overwhelming response, expressing gratitude for the encouragement received. They also confirmed their identity through verification by a moderator of the Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 subreddit.
In subsequent discussions, Max indicated that, to their knowledge, they were the only employee affected by this shift at Warhorse Studios, although they noted an increase in departures among colleagues, some of which appeared unusual. As one of the few long-term in-house translators, Max had been pivotal in the translation process, often serving as a bottleneck due to the limited number of dedicated staff in this area.
Max further revealed that management had begun integrating AI tools across various departments, including code development. They claimed that AI was employed without their approval to expedite translations leading up to the game’s release, resulting in some content not receiving the thorough review it warranted.
The Future of Translation in Gaming
The dialogue and writing in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 have been widely praised, highlighting the importance of human touch in translation. The prospect of AI taking over this nuanced process raises concerns about the quality and authenticity of future projects. In light of these developments, I reached out to Warhorse Studios for further comment.
In response, the studio emphasized its commitment to a talent-driven approach, stating, “Warhorse Studios has always been a talent-driven studio, and we deeply value the people who shape our work.” They refrained from discussing individual situations to respect the privacy of current and former employees.
This incident underscores the ongoing debate surrounding AI’s role in creative industries, as voices like KCD2 director Daniel Vávra highlight both the inevitability of AI’s presence and the need for careful consideration of its impact on artistic integrity.