The developer of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Daniel Vávra, has firmly addressed and denied the swirling rumors that the game has been banned in Saudi Arabia due to its LGBTQ+ content. These rumors have circulated widely, sparking substantial discussion and misinformation across social media platforms.
On January 19, Vávra, who is the co-founder of Warhorse Studios, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to clarify the situation. In his post, he stated categorically that the game has not been banned in Saudi Arabia or any other country. This clarification came in response to claims that originated from a report by the Arabic video games website VGA4A, which suggested that the ban was due to "unskippable gay cut scenes."
Vávra's public rebuttal read: "It is time to address wild claims some people spread that are apparently based just on one screenshot and a poorly translated tweet." He included a tweet containing spoilers about the storyline of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 to provide further context and to debunk the false claims.
He further elaborated, "As much as I don't like 'forced diversity,' nobody was forcing us to do anything, and we are not forcing anyone to do certain things. Gay characters were already present in the first game." This statement highlights the continuity of LGBTQ+ representation in the game series, which has been a point of contention for some players.
Players, according to Vávra, are "responsible for [their] decisions" within the game and have the autonomy to engage in same-sex relationships if they choose to do so. This feature emphasizes player agency and reflects the studio's commitment to including diverse narratives and character relationships.
Addressing the criticism of "forced diversity," Vávra explained that the setting of the game contributes to the diversity observed. "The game takes place in one of the richest cities in Europe [Bohemia], which was besieged by a massive foreign army. That's the reason why life in such a city is more diverse than life in villages, which featured in the first game," he noted. This historical context provides a backdrop that justifies the inclusion of a wide range of characters and experiences.
Vávra expressed concern over how Kingdom Come: Deliverance is being misrepresented by individuals who have not engaged with the game. "We don't want Kingdom Come: Deliverance to be used as clickbait by people who didn't even play it yet. Some of them, sadly, turned into exactly the same narrative they pretend to be fighting against," he stated.
He lamented the amount of negative behavior and discourse that has arisen from the unfounded rumors, stating, "The amount of hateful behaviour is really sad and it will damage any cause associated with it." This sentiment underscores a broader commentary on how misinformation and prejudice can undermine constructive discourse around LGBTQ+ issues in gaming and beyond.
As the gaming industry continues to grapple with issues of representation and inclusion, the conversation around Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by developers in balancing creative vision with audience expectations. It also highlights the importance of responsible media consumption and the need for accurate translation and representation in global communications.
The community is encouraged to share their thoughts on the matter. We welcome comments and discussions, urging everyone to keep the conversation respectful and constructive. By fostering an open dialogue, we can navigate these complex issues and work towards a more inclusive environment for all players.
Share Your Thoughts
What do you think about the inclusion of LGBTQ+ content in video games? Do you believe that the representation of diverse narratives can enhance the gaming experience? Let us know in the comments below and remember to engage with respect and empathy, as diverse perspectives enrich our community.
For more discussions on LGBTQ+ issues in video games and other media, stay tuned to our platform as we continue to explore these important topics.
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