How Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Proves DEI Haters Wrong

by

Regardless of how exceptional a video game like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 might be, there will always be individuals who have criticisms. Although KCD2 isn’t flawless, it ranks among the top games launched in 2025. The criticisms levied by fans are generally reasonable and constructive, but some stem from sheer animosity. I’d like to delve into the controversy surrounding this game prior to its release, focusing on the heated debates about inclusivity and diversity (DEI) in KCD2 that sparked a cultural dispute.

Go Woke?

Despite garnering much anticipation, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 didn’t escape its own share of disputes. The most significant controversy, as some argue, arose from accusations that KCD2 was insensitive towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or ‘woke.’ This debate sparked when a sneak peek of the game revealed a black character and same-sex romance. Some netizens reacted fiercely, criticizing the developers and the game viciously online. Others declared they wouldn’t support or engage with it.

Initially, as tensions rose over the game, some enthusiasts tried to protect its reputation. Numerous discussions ensued online about the controversy. Some labeled the creators as money-grabbers, while others accused them of losing trust in the product. In the end, most chose to remain patient and wait for the game’s launch. After KCD2 was released, however, it garnered rave reviews from critics, with many fans expressing their appreciation post-launch.

As I’m scanning through Steam reviews, it’s hard to avoid stumbling upon some criticism. Granted, every game gets its fair share of negative feedback, but what sets these apart is the focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as ‘wokeness’. Frankly, it would be more acceptable if their grievances were grounded in constructive criticism, but instead, they seem to take issue with the game’s representation of a black character and a gay romantic option.

In a more conversational tone: It’s not that I’m denying it, but having a black character and a gay romance option seems a bit unusual for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. This game prides itself on historical accuracy, from its gameplay to its storyline. It deliberately steers clear of the fast-paced, flashy elements that are common in most AAA games today. One of the things that sets it apart is this dedication to historical authenticity.

As a fan myself, I want to clarify that the inclusion of a black character like Musa and a gay romance between him and Hans doesn’t automatically make or break the game for me. In fact, I’ve played through the entire game and found their representation to be relatively minor. The developers are not pushing an agenda onto players; rather, they’re creating a diverse gaming experience that caters to various groups of people. If someone isn’t interested in exploring gay romance or limiting their interactions with Musa, there’s no pressure to do so. It’s all about enjoying the game on your own terms.

Or Go Broke?

It’s worth noting that KCD2 isn’t alone in facing criticism from DEI and ‘woke’ critics. Similarly, Dragon Age: The Veilguard encountered a similar response. Some individuals found issue with the game’s more inclusive portrayal of the LGBT community.

The Veilguard failed, these individuals saw this as confirmation of their beliefs – that an emphasis on inclusivity is detrimental to video games and that we should revert back to the “good old days” without such considerations.

It’s important to note that the poor performance of “Dragon Age: The Veilguard” wasn’t due to its inclusivity. Instead, it struggled because it strayed from its original identity and was marred by subpar gameplay and narrative. Had Electronic Arts chosen to maintain the dark, gritty storyline and challenging gameplay reminiscent of earlier “Dragon Age” games, “The Veilguard” might have fared better, regardless of its LGBT themes.

Evidence shows that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 bucked the trend. Despite being met with criticism by certain groups, it still stood out as one of the top games of 2025. Contrary to the saying ‘go woke, go broke,’ this wasn’t the case here. The game’s enduring popularity isn’t due to a collective amnesia about its gay romance and black character; rather, it thrives because of its compelling narrative and immersive gameplay.

To be honest, I’ve grown weary of the constant negative remarks from these critics. They feign concern for game quality, but their true issue seems to be the increase in inclusivity. This article may not sway anyone’s opinion on the matter, but I can only hope that those who are undecided will disregard such individuals in future discussions. It is not ‘wokeness’ and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) that are damaging games; it’s poorly executed gameplay and storytelling that do.

Read More

2025-02-25 17:35