For Warhorse’s 15th birthday, we chatted with its co-founder about the demand for ‘grown-up’ RPGs, AI, why games are too cheap, and his role in the collapse of communism
The article celebrates Warhorse Studios’ 15th anniversary with an interview featuring co-founder Martin Klíma. Klíma has created one of the most distinctive and acclaimed RPGs of recent years with Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2—a game that tackles mature themes and complex gameplay in ways few other studios would attempt.
Beyond his work in gaming, Klíma has a remarkable historical background. As a student activist in the eastern bloc, he played a pivotal role in political movements that led to the collapse of communism in the region. This unique perspective informs his approach to game development and storytelling.
The interview addresses several key industry topics: the market demand for “grown-up” RPGs that treat players as adults, the evolving role of AI in game development, and Klíma’s perspective on video game pricing—suggesting that games may be significantly undervalued in the current market. He reflects on how quickly the past 15 years have passed since he and co-founder Daniel Vávra left their previous careers as disaffected developers to establish Warhorse Studios.
The piece positions Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 as a notable achievement in an industry often dominated by commercially conservative design choices, highlighting Warhorse’s continued commitment to bold creative decisions.