Warhorse Studios Clarifies AI Position: 'Not a Substitute for Human Work' After Translator Controversy

Warhorse Studios, the critically acclaimed developer behind the Kingdom Come: Deliverance series, found itself in the center of a gaming community firestorm following the termination of a Czech-to-English translator and subsequent allegations of AI adoption. The studio recently addressed these concerns during a Reddit AMA, clarifying their position on artificial intelligence in game development.

The Controversy Unfolds

In late March 2026, the gaming community erupted when a former Czech-to-English translator and editor for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 announced his departure from Warhorse Studios on Reddit. The translator, who had been with the studio since 2022, revealed that during a meeting, he was informed his position would become obsolete as the company moved forward with AI for translation purposes.

This announcement immediately sparked widespread concern among gamers and industry professionals alike, who feared that Warhorse might be replacing human creative workers with AI technology—a growing trend in the gaming industry that has drawn significant criticism from developers and players who value human creativity and nuance in game development.

Reddit AMA Clarifications

Fast forward to Warhorse's recent Reddit AMA on r/gaming, where the developers faced direct questions about their AI policies. The studio provided detailed responses to address community concerns, repeatedly emphasizing that "[w]e do not see AI as a substitute for human work, and we are currently looking to expand the company, including our translation team."

According to Warhorse representatives, "Some team members find AI useful during the early stages of production. However, we do not use AI-generated content in the final game and have no plans to change this in the future."

Creative director Prokop Jirsa added further clarification, stating that the studio is "currently in the process of hiring new English translators, actual humans." Warhorse also claimed they would maintain the same number of human translators for their upcoming project as they did for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.

When pressed about which team members could potentially be replaced by AI, Warhorse's response was unequivocal: "Hopefully none of us, and never. And that applies to the whole team."

Industry Context: AI in Game Development

Warhorse's situation reflects broader tensions within the gaming industry regarding AI adoption. While some studios have experimented with AI for tasks like dialogue generation, asset creation, and even testing, many developers and players remain skeptical about AI's ability to capture the nuance, creativity, and emotional depth that human creators bring to game development.

The controversy also highlights growing concerns about job displacement in creative industries. As AI tools become more sophisticated, questions arise about how companies balance technological advancement with ethical employment practices and maintaining quality in creative products.

Future Projects

Beyond addressing the AI controversy, Warhorse Studios shared some insights into their future plans during the AMA. The studio confirmed they are working on "a huge immersive RPG," though they remained tight-lipped about whether this project is Kingdom Come: Deliverance 3 or the rumored Lord of the Rings collaboration that has been circulating in gaming circles.

For fans of the Kingdom Come series, the studio's commitment to human translation and creative processes may provide reassurance about the quality and authenticity of future installments. The first Kingdom Come: Deliverance was praised for its historical accuracy and immersive storytelling, elements that many gamers believe would be difficult to maintain with AI-generated content.

Who This Matters For

This controversy and subsequent clarification matters most for:

1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance fans: Those invested in the series' historical authenticity and narrative depth will be relieved to hear Warhorse's commitment to human creative processes.

2. Industry professionals: The debate highlights ongoing tensions in the gaming industry regarding AI adoption and job security for creative workers.

3. Game developers: Other studios watching this situation may consider how to communicate their AI policies to avoid similar community backlash.

4. Consumers concerned about AI ethics: Players who question the role of AI in creative products will find Warhorse's position as a case study in how developers can address these concerns.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve alongside AI technology, cases like Warhorse Studios serve as important reference points for discussions about the appropriate role of artificial intelligence in creative processes and the enduring value of human expertise in game development.