Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Devs Face Brutal Reddit AMA After AI Translator Layoffs

Warhorse Studios’ Reddit AMA Turns into a Firestorm Over AI Translator Layoffs

Warhorse Studios, the developer behind the Kingdom Come: Deliverance series, recently hosted a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) that quickly spiraled into a heated debate about their decision to replace a Czech translator with AI. The session, intended to engage with the community, instead became a platform for Redditors to challenge the studio’s stance on generative AI and its impact on creative industries.

Redditors Question AI’s Role in Gaming and Creative Work

The AMA was held shortly after Warhorse Studios laid off a human translator in favor of AI, sparking widespread criticism. Redditors seized the opportunity to ask pointed questions, including:

• "Why are you pro generative-AI despite its obvious negative impact on people working in the creative industries, including gaming?"
• "I always dreamt of working as a translator for Warhorse Studios—do you think I have a chance?"
• "Why need creative directors? Why not replace them with AI, as you did with your translators?"

One user asked for clarification on the decision-making process behind the AI translation choice:

"...What are your experiences/expectations about the quality with such translations? I assume such a decision wasn't done lightly and not without proper research."

Community Outrage Over Studio’s Timing and Decision

The timing of the AMA—shortly after the layoffs—drew sharp criticism. Many Redditors questioned the studio’s judgment in hosting the session on a subreddit known for its skepticism of AI. Comments like the following reflected the community’s sentiment:

"I don't know whose brilliant idea it was to do a Warhorse AMA on one of the most AI-critical subs on Reddit shortly after Warhorse was in the news for firing a human in favor of AI, but I bet that person now wishes they had swallowed a bottle of Saviour's Schnapps after this AMA derails so they could reload."

While Warhorse Studios has only confirmed one layoff under these circumstances, the incident highlights broader concerns about AI’s growing role in creative fields and the potential for further job displacement if left unchecked.

Speculative Questions and Dark Humor Take Over

The AMA also saw Redditors indulging in speculative humor, with questions like:

• "Are you guys making an open-world Lord of the Rings game with Saudi money?"
• "Is your Gemini Premium subscription going to translate your next game since you fired the guy that did the English translation?"

The latter question, which received 190 upvotes, became the highest-rated query in the thread. Despite the backlash, Warhorse Studios has committed to responding to remaining questions on their Reddit AMA page on April 30, unless unforeseen circumstances force a cancellation.

The post originally appeared on Destructoid.