Warhorse studios replaces translator with ai, sparks industry debate
The lauded RPG Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, a critical darling of 2025, is now embroiled in controversy. Warhorse Studios, the game's developer, has reportedly replaced veteran translator Max Hejtmánek with artificial intelligence, a move that’s ignited a firestorm of debate within the gaming industry about the role of human creativity versus automation.
A translator's dedication, erased
Hejtmánek, who dedicated nearly four years to meticulously adapting the Czech original into authentic and nuanced English dialogue, detailed his abrupt dismissal on Reddit. He claims to have been summoned to a meeting where he was informed his role was deemed “obsolete” due to the studio’s decision to implement AI-powered translation tools. The justification, as he recounts, was the standard corporate line: a pursuit of “increased efficiency and financial savings.” This isn’t the first tremor of AI disrupting creative fields—Google’s recent unveiling of an AI capable of generating entire video games only amplified the anxieties already simmering beneath the surface.
The human touch: why translation matters
What sets Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 apart is its commitment to historical accuracy and immersive world-building. Hejtmánek’s work wasn’t simply translation; it was interpretation and adaptation, ensuring that dialogue, menus, and cultural nuances resonated authentically with English-speaking players. Removing that human element raises serious concerns about the potential degradation of the game’s quality and the loss of vital cultural context.
A sentiment of betrayal
Hejtmánek’s Reddit post revealed a palpable sense of betrayal, stating he felt “incredibly betrayed” by the decision, especially after dedicating so much time and passion to the project. He insists he isn't seeking to reclaim his position or pursue legal action, but is determined to share his experience and shed light on what he calls “behind-closed-doors practices” within the industry.
Cost-cutting vs. quality: a dangerous trade-off?
Warhorse Studios co-founder and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 director Daniel Vávra has openly championed the use of generative AI, emphasizing its potential to drastically reduce development costs and accelerate AAA game production. His stance, however, clashes directly with the concerns raised by Hejtmánek and a growing number of industry professionals who believe that prioritizing efficiency over artistic integrity is a dangerous trade-off.
Early reviews reflect the change
The impact of this change is already being felt. Early Steam reviews for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 are beginning to reflect a perceived decline in translation quality, with some players attributing it to the shift to AI. While the overall reception remains “Very Positive,” the backlash underscores the importance of human expertise in crafting a truly immersive gaming experience. While some argue that AI translation is improving, a girlfriend of a translator working for an insurance company reports needing to correct AI translations frequently, indicating ongoing issues with coherence.
The saga of Max Hejtmánek serves as a stark warning: the pursuit of efficiency through AI shouldn't come at the cost of human creativity and the irreplaceable value of nuanced cultural understanding. The games we play are more than just lines of code—they're portals to other worlds, and those worlds deserve to be rendered with care and authenticity, a quality increasingly difficult to replicate with algorithms alone.