"Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2" Replaces Four-Year Veteran with AI to Cut Costs

Job adjustments within the industry often signal a strategic shift. On March 27, news emerged that Warhorse Studios had dismissed a translator who had been employed for four years. This former translator and editor had participated in localization work for the game and its DLC. The company stated this move was to "improve efficiency" and "cut costs." The individual revealed that internal discussions regarding the use of AI translation had occurred multiple times. However, he had always "strongly opposed" this technical solution.

From a design perspective, localization quality directly impacts the immersive experience. Text is not merely a carrier of information, but also a cultural bridge. Similar cases involving AI applications in the recent gaming industry have faced repeated controversy. For instance, Red Desert also faced similar scrutiny. Objectively speaking, short-term cost reductions do not necessarily yield long-term reputational gains. Technological iteration should not come at the expense of professionalism.

Much like a trial run for a second-generation product, this replacement carries risks. Translation work requires understanding context and emotional nuances. Pure machine generation struggles to capture the essence of non-linear narratives. Voices in the player community are generally concerned about text accuracy and emotional expression. For players expecting high-quality narratives, this is a warning. Reputation collapse often begins with negligence in details.

Objectively, publishers need to find a balance between budget and quality. If core experience is sacrificed to compress costs, the loss outweighs the gain. At this juncture in 2026, this optimization scheme appears lacking in sincerity. It is recommended that players follow subsequent patch notes and community feedback. Value for money is not just about price, but also includes completion level and sincerity. It is safer to wait for market feedback before purchasing.