Warhorse studios unveils open-world kingdom come sequel, promises faster release
After months of speculation and carefully managed leaks, Warhorse Studios has officially confirmed its next Kingdom Come: Deliverance title will be an expansive open-world RPG, slated for release next fiscal year. The announcement, delivered via a streamed Q&A session with director Daniel Vávra, communications director Tobias Stolz-Zwilling, and community manager Tom Grey, cuts through the fan theories swirling around a ‘new Kingdom Come adventure’ and addresses lingering doubts about the project’s scope.
A shift from ‘adventure’ to rpg
Stolz-Zwilling decisively quashed rumors of supplementary movies or drastic gameplay overhauls, cementing the sequel’s identity as a full-fledged open-world RPG – a significant departure from the initial, somewhat vague pronouncements. Grey, meanwhile, subtly acknowledged the ongoing development with a pointed reference to it being “one of its two proper games” currently in the works, a clear indication of additional projects beyond this central installment.
The livestream underscored Warhorse’s continued commitment to the Kingdom Come universe. Stolz-Zwilling emphasized that expanding this world remains a core objective, rejecting the notion of a seven-year wait for further installments. ‘We won’t have to wait that long until the next game,’ Grey added, stating the studio’s ambition to deliver a release “next fiscal year.”
While a definitive launch window remains elusive – tentatively placing it between April 2027 and March 2028 – the confirmation itself represents a palpable shift in tone. Prokop Jirsa, lead designer on the 2, is steering the Kingdom Come team, with Viktor Bocan at the helm of the Middle-earth development. This structured leadership suggests a focused, deliberate approach, a stark contrast to the initial ambiguity.
Middle-earth beckons
Adding another layer to the narrative, Warhorse is simultaneously developing a new open-world RPG set within the iconic world of The Lord of the Rings. Daniel Vávra’s movie project – previously teased – appears to be pivoting away from a standalone film and aligning more closely with the core gameplay experience of the games Warhorse has previously released. This dual approach speaks volumes about the studio’s long-term strategy and their desire to capitalize on established franchises.
Considering previous releases – the critically lauded 8/10 and subsequent 9/10 reviews for Deliverance and Deliverance 2 – Warhorse has a proven track record. The studio’s dedication to detail and immersive world-building is undeniable, and the anticipation surrounding this next chapter is building steadily. Ultimately, the promise of a faster release cycle is a welcome reassurance for a fanbase that has, understandably, been patient.