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No matter how good a video game is, someone will inevitably find something to complain about. While Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is not perfect, it is one of the best video games released in 2025. The majority of criticisms shared by fans are valid and constructive, but some are simply blind hatred. I want to discuss the drama that surrounded this game before its release—specifically, the culture war over wokeness and DEI in KCD2.
Go Woke?
Despite receiving a lot of hype, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 also faced its share of drama. The biggest issue, arguably, was the criticism that KCD2 was ‘DEI’ (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and ‘woke.’ The controversy began when a leak surfaced online, revealing that the game featured a black character and a gay romance. Some people took to the internet with pitchforks, hurling insults at the developers and the game itself. Others claimed they would refuse to buy or play it.
As the drama spread, some fans attempted to defend the game. Many debated the issue online. Some called the developers sellouts, while others claimed they’d lost faith in the game. Ultimately, the majority decided to wait and see until the game’s release. Fast forward to after KCD2 launched, and the game received critical acclaim, with many fans offering their praise.
Yet, if you scroll through Steam reviews, you’ll inevitably come across some complaints. Of course, all games receive negative reviews, but these specifically mention DEI and wokeness. It would be one thing if they offered valid criticism, but their only complaint is that the game features a black character and a gay romance.
I won’t deny that the presence of a black character and a gay romance option feels somewhat out of place. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is highly focused on historical accuracy. From its gameplay to its story, the game deliberately avoids the fast-paced, flashy mechanics typical of modern AAA titles. Its commitment to historical authenticity is also one of the things that make it unique.
However, I don’t believe that featuring a black character and a gay romance is a dealbreaker. I’ve completed the game, and the presence of Musa and the Hans romance is minimal. The developers are not trying to force an agenda on players. Those who aren’t interested can easily avoid gay romance and limit their interactions with Musa if they wish.
Or Go Broke?
KCD2 isn’t the first game to be criticized by DEI and ‘woke’ detractors. Dragon Age: The Veilguard received a similar reaction. Some people took offense to the game’s more inclusive attitude toward the LGBT community.
Many claimed that EA was pushing a DEI agenda and that wokeness would ruin video games. When Dragon Age: The Veilguard flopped, many took it as proof that they were right—that wokeness is the bane of video games and that we should abandon inclusivity and return to the ‘good old days.’
Here’s the thing, though—the reason Dragon Age: The Veilguard flopped isn’t because of its inclusivity. The game failed because it lost its identity and suffered from poor gameplay and storytelling. If EA had dared to embrace the grimdark story and complex gameplay of the older Dragon Age games, The Veilguard would have been more successful, regardless of its LGBT content.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is proof of this. The game was also heavily criticized by these types of people, yet it became one of the best games of 2025. The common catchphrase ‘go woke, go broke’ doesn’t apply in this case. Is it because everyone conveniently forgot about the gay romance and black character in the game? No—the game is popular because it has a great story and engaging gameplay.
Frankly, I’m beyond tired of listening to these haters. They pretend to care about the quality of games when, in reality, they just dislike seeing more inclusivity. I know this article won’t change anyone’s mind on the issue, but I at least hope that those who are ambivalent will ignore these types of people in the future. ‘Wokeness’ and DEI are not ruining games—poor gameplay and storytelling are.
