Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Translator Was Fired Due to AI Implementation

A former developer at Warhorse Studios says he was dismissed from his role as a translator and will be replaced by artificial intelligence, according to a post shared online on March 27. The individual, identified as Max H., stated he was called into a meeting and informed his position had become “obsolete” as part of efforts to make the company “more effective” and to “save finances.”

Max H. reported that he had worked at the studio for more than three and a half years. Moderators of the Kingdom Come subreddit said they verified his employment before allowing the post to remain public. The studio has not issued a public response to the claims.

In his account, Max H. described the decision as unexpected despite prior internal discussions about AI-assisted translation. He said those conversations had occurred frequently but did not appear to signal immediate job risk.

“This came as a huge shock to me, as though the discussion about using AI for translating had frequently come up in the past, something I was always strongly and vocally against, but never to the extent that it might actually cost me my job in the future,” he wrote.

“I feel incredibly betrayed by the management of the company I've come to care about greatly these past almost four years, and am heartbroken I won't get to see my friends and colleagues at the office every day.“

— Max H.

He added that he would not pursue legal action or break non-disclosure agreements but intended to speak openly about his experience. He also urged players not to direct harassment toward the studio or its employees.

“PLEASE don't harass anyone from WHS or review bomb their games on Steam, that isn't my intention at all. All I want is for people to be more informed about what's going on it the games industry behind closed doors.”

— Max H.

The claim arrives amid broader shifts in the video game industry, where studios have increased investment in AI tools to reduce production time and costs. Translation, localization, and asset generation have become early targets for automation due to their scale and repetitive workflows.

I see the situation as a clear example of how cost-cutting measures tied to AI adoption can directly displace specialized roles, even when human expertise remains central to quality outcomes.

Recent scrutiny has also affected other developers. Last week, Pearl Abyss acknowledged that parts of its new title, Crimson Desert, included 2D visual props created during early development using experimental generative AI tools. The company said those assets were temporary and intended for replacement before release, but the disclosure followed criticism that such use had not been communicated earlier.

The Warhorse case highlights tension between operational efficiency and workforce stability. Localization work, often involving cultural nuance and contextual accuracy, has traditionally relied on human translators. The introduction of AI tools in this area raises questions about quality control, accountability, and long-term employment trends.

I think the growing reliance on AI across development pipelines reflects a structural shift that studios may accelerate regardless of individual backlash, especially when financial pressures intensify.

Warhorse Studios has not confirmed whether AI systems are replacing translation roles or outlined its current approach to localization. The absence of an official statement leaves the account unverified beyond the individual’s claims and moderator confirmation of employment history.