Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Developers Discuss Kuttenberg’s Historical Role and Its Influence on Gameplay
Warhorse Studios Explores the Rich History of Kuttenberg and Its Impact on the Upcoming Sequel’s Story and Design
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is continuing the franchise’s dedication to historical accuracy, immersing players in the gritty, real-world dynamics of medieval Bohemia. A key location featured in the game is the historic city of Kuttenberg, renowned for its role in the silver rush. Today, Kuttenberg is a district town in Central Bohemia, located 70 km east of Prague. During the events of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, however, it was a politically and economically vital urban center—and a place where significant conflict unfolded.
Game Rant recently sat down with Warhorse Studios to discuss Kuttenberg’s importance to the game’s narrative, its historical significance, and how it’s been brought to life for the sequel. In this interview, Warhorse's PR manager, Tobias Stolz-Zwilling, provided fascinating details on what players can expect when exploring this pivotal setting in the game. The conversation has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Kuttenberg’s Role in Medieval Bohemia
Q: Could you explain Kuttenberg's significance in medieval Bohemia, especially in terms of its economic and political influence?
A: Kuttenberg, or Kutná Hora, was a city of immense power and importance, largely due to its silver mines. The wealth generated from the silver made the city an economic powerhouse and an attractive target during wartime. By 1403, when Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 takes place, it was under the occupation of King Sigismund of Hungary. The people of Bohemia were divided on which king to support, adding to the complexity of the situation. This makes navigating Kuttenberg in the game a delicate task for Henry, the protagonist.
Q: Why did you decide to focus on Kuttenberg as a central location in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and how does it contribute to the game’s narrative?
A: Kuttenberg’s history ties directly into the story we’re telling in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. It was mentioned in the first game, and its role in the conflict—especially with King Sigismund’s presence—is integral. We felt that the city’s rich political and economic backdrop would provide a compelling stage for the game's unfolding events. While Prague is internationally famous, Kuttenberg was a more fitting location for the story we wanted to tell.
Q: How does Kuttenberg’s historical context shape the game’s storyline and character development?
A: Kuttenberg is central to the game’s plot, and the events surrounding it deeply affect the characters. I would compare it to films like Inglourious Basterds or Ocean’s Eleven, where key locations drive the action and character motivations. This town plays a pivotal role in Henry’s personal journey and the broader political landscape.
Recreating Kuttenberg in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Q: Given the historical significance of Kuttenberg, I assume there was significant collaboration with historians and experts to faithfully recreate it in the game. What was that process like?
A: Recreating Kuttenberg was one of our biggest challenges. It wasn’t just about reimagining the city’s appearance in 1403, but understanding how people lived and what their daily lives looked like. We worked closely with historians, local archives, and museums to gather as much information as possible. While some compromises had to be made, we’ve done our best to create an accurate representation. In fact, the town and its officials are so enthusiastic about our portrayal that they’re planning to host guided tours for tourists when the game is released.
Q: Were there any surprising historical discoveries that impacted the game's design or storytelling?
A: Nothing completely unexpected, but it was fascinating to explore the allegiances of the noble families during the conflict. The politics of the time were complex, with many nobles saying a lot but not revealing much. It’s interesting to bring that ambiguity into the game.
Q: How does the urban environment of Kuttenberg differ from the more rural settings of the first game?
A: Kuttenberg offers a much more urban and industrious environment compared to the rural landscapes of Kingdom Come: Deliverance. It’s not just a city; it’s a hub of silver production, with smelters and related industries throughout. While it’s a major part of the second game’s map, there are also castles, monasteries, and villages to explore, ensuring that there’s a lot of variety in gameplay.
Q: What challenges did the team face in recreating the complex architecture and layout of medieval Kuttenberg?
A: One of the biggest challenges was the fact that not all buildings from the period still exist. We had to dive into research and sometimes rely on interpretations. For example, the town hall, which had an astronomical clock, no longer exists in its original form, so we based our design on similar buildings from the period to create something that felt authentic.
Daily Life and Culture in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Q: How does the game depict the daily life and culture of Kuttenberg’s residents?
A: The most difficult part was recreating the lives of everyday people, as historical records often focused on the elite. We relied heavily on research and consulted local experts to paint a detailed picture of what life was like for the average citizen. This collaborative effort allowed us to capture a more accurate representation of daily life in medieval Kuttenberg.
Q: How do you balance historical accuracy with engaging gameplay in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2?
A: Our goal is always to create a historically authentic experience, but we never sacrifice fun for realism. For example, you won’t die from something like the flu just because you stood in the rain, but we do include detailed systems like potion crafting. The game encourages deep, thoughtful gameplay, and players are free to shape Henry’s journey in their own way.
Kuttenberg’s historical significance, complex social dynamics, and architectural challenges will all play a key role in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, ensuring that players experience a richly detailed world while navigating both personal and political conflicts. With careful attention to historical accuracy, Warhorse Studios is creating an immersive and engaging experience that stays true to the medieval period while offering exciting gameplay opportunities.