Warhorse studios axes translator, replaces him with ai – a rising trend?
The gaming industry is facing a new wave of disruption, and it's not just about graphics or gameplay. Max Hejtmánek, the celebrated translator who painstakingly crafted the English version of 2025's critically acclaimed RPG, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, has been let go by Warhorse Studios, replaced by an artificial intelligence system. The move, revealed in a candid Reddit post by Hejtmánek, has ignited a fierce debate about the future of human roles in game development and the potential cost of prioritizing efficiency over artistry.
A four-year labor of love, erased
Hejtmánek's work wasn't mere translation; it was nuanced interpretation. For nearly four years, he’s been responsible for adapting the original Czech script, ensuring not just accuracy, but authenticity in the English localization—a crucial element in the game’s immersive medieval Bohemia setting. He oversaw voice acting sessions and wrestled with the delicate balance of translating cultural nuances, a task far beyond the capabilities of any algorithm. Then, without warning, he was summoned to a meeting and informed that his position was deemed “obsolete” as Warhorse Studios embraces AI translation.
The studio’s rationale, according to Hejtmánek, is the standard corporate script: a desire to “improve efficiency” and “save finances.” This echoes a broader trend, accelerated by recent breakthroughs like Google's AI video game creation tools, where developers are exploring the potential of AI to streamline workflows. But Hejtmánek’s experience cuts to the heart of a deeper concern: the devaluation of human expertise in favor of automated solutions.
The human cost of efficiency
Hejtmánek’s Reddit post is a raw account of betrayal and disillusionment. He admits to initially believing his contributions were valued, only to discover he was considered expendable. “I feel incredibly betrayed by the direction of a company that I’ve come to love,” he wrote, expressing heartbreak at leaving his colleagues. While he doesn’t intend to pursue legal action or seek reinstatement, he insists on speaking out about what he sees as a worrying shift in the industry.
Daniel Vávra, co-founder of Warhorse Studios and director of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, has publicly championed the use of generative AI, claiming it will drastically reduce development costs and accelerate AAA game production. His stance, coupled with his background as the creator of the Mafia saga, positions him as a key figure in this evolving landscape.
A growing chorus of concern
Hejtmánek’s story isn’t an isolated incident. His girlfriend, a translator for an insurance company, already faces a similar situation, using AI to assist with translations and then correcting its frequent errors. This highlights a key issue: while AI can speed up the process, it often sacrifices accuracy and nuance, potentially diminishing the overall quality of the player experience.
Early reviews of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 on Steam reflect this concern, with some players citing a noticeable decline in translation quality. While the game remains overwhelmingly positive, the backlash serves as a stark warning to developers considering widespread AI adoption. It's a quiet revolution, but the potential ramifications—a homogenization of creative expression and the displacement of skilled professionals—are anything but quiet.
The industry is at a crossroads. While efficiency gains are tempting, the cost of sacrificing human artistry—the very element that breathes life into interactive worlds—may prove far steeper than anyone anticipates.