KCD2 Sees the Light because GTA 6 is Delayed

The gaming world let out a collective groan when Rockstar confirmed what we all kinda suspected: Grand Theft Auto 6 isn’t coming out in 2025. It's now officially landing on May 26, 2026. And while most reactions were a mix of frustration and "well duh," one guy was absolutely thrilled.

"WE’RE IN WITH A SHOT! GOTY! #KCD2" — Luke Dale, voice of Hans Capon in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Yep, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 might’ve just won the lottery.

Luke Dale, the actor behind the ever-entertaining Hans Capon, didn’t even try to hide his joy on Twitter. With GTA 6 — the unstoppable juggernaut of hype, money, and cultural dominance — out of the 2025 race, Dale’s suddenly seeing daylight for Warhorse Studios’ historically grounded RPG sequel.

"Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 GOTY 2025 🤞" — Dale, again, doubling down

And you know what? He’s got a point.

The Weight of the GTA Shadow

Let’s be real: when GTA drops, it sucks all the oxygen out of the room. Doesn't matter how polished or profound your game is — if you're launching within a few months of Rockstar’s open-world behemoth, your GOTY chances drop to near zero.

So this delay? It's not just a gift. It's liberation.

That’s especially huge for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, which is already shaping up to be one of the biggest, boldest RPGs of the year. Warhorse Studios isn’t just building on the original’s cult following — they’re innovating in serious ways. Expanded cities, revamped combat, full quest voiceover, and more cinematic storytelling mean this isn’t just KCD 1.5. It’s a legitimate generational leap.

For players burned out on fantasy tropes, KCD2 stands apart with its gritty realism, deep historical grounding, and low-magic/no-magic design. It’s as close as gaming gets to a true medieval simulator — and in a post-Elden Ring world, people are hungry for RPGs that feel different.

A Real Shot at GOTY?

Now, obviously, the idea of KCD2 snagging Game of the Year would’ve sounded like a stretch with GTA 6 looming over everything. Even heavy-hitters like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Avowed would’ve struggled to compete.

But now?

The lane is open. The crowd is watching. And KCD2 is in pole position.

This doesn’t mean the game automatically wins — it still has to deliver, of course. But Warhorse is no indie studio flying under the radar anymore. The game is already quite powerful, but what would it be like if they hadn't cut out the combat mechanics related to sleep? With a bigger team, a stronger publisher (Deep Silver), and a ton of lessons learned from the first game’s bumpy but beloved launch, KCD2 is well-positioned to make a splash.

The real challenge now is execution. The first Kingdom Come had charm, but it was rough around the edges. If this sequel lands smoothly and solid, the GOTY hype might not be a meme anymore — it could become the narrative of the year.

The Industry Is Watching

This whole thing also speaks to a wider tension in the industry right now. Big releases getting delayed has become the norm — and while that sucks for players, it opens doors for other titles to shine. Publishers are playing chess with release dates, and when a giant like Rockstar moves, everyone recalibrates.

The KCD2 team knows this. They’re not throwing shade — they’re opportunists. And can you blame them? You don’t get many chances to sprint toward the finish line without a GTA train screaming behind you.

Rockstar delayed GTA 6 to May 2026. Most people sighed. But Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 actor Luke Dale straight-up cheered — because without GTA in the way, 2025 just became a much more open race for Game of the Year.

And maybe he’s right. With KCD2 leveling up across the board — visually, narratively, and mechanically — this could be the year it stops being a cult hit and becomes a true RPG titan.

KCD2 GOTY? It’s still a long shot. But for once, it’s not a joke.