Kingdom Come: Deliverance developer Warhorse Studios marked its 15th anniversary as co-founder Martin Klíma reflected on the studio’s journey from a small Czech startup to an RPG creator, according to recent interviews detailing the studio’s history and future projects.
From London Corporates to Independent Czech Studios
Before launching Warhorse Studios, Martin Klíma returned from working in England, initially seeking to learn how large-scale game development operated at major firms like Codemasters. According to Klíma, that corporate stint revealed that major international studios faced many of the exact same internal challenges as smaller Czech teams. Remembering those early days, Klíma notes that looking back brings primarily a deep sense of gratitude for how the team survived those formative hurdles.
The Critical Kickstarter Turning Point
A vital chapter in the survival of Warhorse Studios was the crowdfunding campaign hosted on Kickstarter. Had that campaign failed to reach its goals, the team likely would not have continued operations, meaning the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance would never have been released to the public. That early financial backing ultimately secured the future of the studio and laid the groundwork for subsequent titles.
Expanding Beyond Medieval Bohemia
While Warhorse continues to work on additional games within the Kingdom Come universe, the studio has also expanded into new intellectual properties, including an upcoming title set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. However, Klíma emphasizes strict creative boundaries for these distinct projects, stating that the gritty realism of Kingdom Come cannot function inside Middle-earth. The studio balances these ambitious projects while navigating the constant, high-pressure environment of game production.
Did you know? Warhorse Studios celebrated its milestone 15th anniversary by reflecting on how crowd funding saved the studio from premature closure during its earliest development phases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did crowdfunding save Warhorse Studios?
Yes, according to studio co-founder Martin Klíma, the successful Kickstarter campaign was essential for keeping the team afloat and allowing the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance to be completed.
Is Warhorse developing a Middle-earth game?
Yes, the studio is currently working on a new title set in Tolkien’s world, though leadership stresses it maintains a completely different tone and style from Kingdom Come.
Why did Warhorse choose historical realism over fantasy?
The developers deliberately chose to omit magic, dragons, and elves, opting instead to anchor their games in the historical reality and political conflicts of 15th-century Central Europe.
Explore More: Dive deeper into the local gaming industry by checking out our other developer interviews, and share your thoughts on Warhorse Studios’ upcoming projects in the comments below.
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