The Czech studio known for Kingdom Come: Deliverance has responded to allegations that it fired a translator because of AI technology.
Warhorse Studios, the developer of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, held a Reddit AMA, Ask Me Anything. While the event had its positive aspects, such as the confirmation that the studio is working on a massive, immersive RPG, they did not specify whether it is Kingdom Come: Deliverance 3, and they could be working on The Lord of the Rings IP. Several questions focused on allegations that the studio fired a translator after their role became redundant because all future translations would be handled by AI.
When the allegations arose, Warhorse responded that it has always been a talent-oriented studio that deeply values the people who shape its work. Out of respect for the privacy and dignity of current and former colleagues, the studio does not discuss individual situations publicly. They have now expanded on this response, informing players that they are listening to them and their concerns.
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“We do not see AI as a substitute for human work, and we are currently looking to expand the company, including our translation team. Some team members find AI useful during the early stages of production. However, we do not use AI-generated content in the final game, nor do we plan to in the future,” the studio said.
Whenever the question of Max Hejtmánek’s dismissal came up, Warhorse members repeated or shared the following response, which better aligns with the studio’s first statement on the matter: they said that it was an internal HR issue and that they could not comment on current or former employees because it would be unprofessional. They then emphasized that the studio is currently hiring new English translators, and real people. Neither statement clarifies Hejtmánek’s claims, but they set a precedent indicating that AI-generated content will not appear in Warhorse Studios’ games, now or in the future.
There was no scandal surrounding Kingdom Come: Deliverance games, in which players discovered AI-generated elements, as recently happened with Crimson Desert. However, the statement draws a clear line. If the flood of questions about the studio’s use of generative AI during the Reddit AMA is any indication, players certainly won’t forget to ask about it when Warhorse is ready to talk about its next game. Not that players’ concerns seem to be affecting sales.
Source: WCCFTech
