Prague, Czech Republic – October 26, 2023 – In a move that has sent shockwaves of anticipation through the PC gaming community, Warhorse Studios has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated Kingdom Come 2 will launch with a DRM-free version available from day one. Alongside this groundbreaking news, the developer has also announced the firm release date for the substantial 1.2 patch, which promises to address lingering performance issues and introduce a host of quality-of-life improvements to its predecessor, Kingdom Come: Deliverance.

For years, the debate around Digital Rights Management (DRM) in PC gaming has been a persistent thorn in the side of players. While often implemented to combat piracy, many find DRM to be an intrusive and unnecessary hurdle, hindering legitimate ownership and access to purchased titles. Warhorse Studios’ decision to embrace a DRM-free approach for Kingdom Come 2 is a bold statement, aligning them with a growing segment of developers who prioritize player freedom and trust.

“We believe that when you purchase a game, it should be yours, no strings attached,” stated Jan “Skalik” Valta, Lead Developer at Warhorse Studios, in an exclusive interview. “Our players have shown incredible loyalty and passion for the world of Bohemia. Offering Kingdom Come 2 DRM-free from launch is our way of showing them the utmost respect and ensuring they can enjoy the game on their own terms, whether through platforms like Steam or GOG, or even directly from us in the future.”

This commitment to player agency is a welcome departure from industry norms, and early reactions from the gaming press and community have been overwhelmingly positive. The promise of a DRM-free experience not only appeals to seasoned PC gamers who have long advocated for such practices but also to those who may have been hesitant about investing in titles laden with DRM.

But the good news doesn’t stop there. In a separate, but equally significant announcement, Warhorse Studios has also revealed the release date for the long-awaited 1.2 patch for Kingdom Come: Deliverance. This comprehensive update, scheduled to deploy on November 15th, 2023, is set to be one of the largest post-launch additions to the beloved medieval RPG.

The 1.2 patch has been a focal point for the Kingdom Come community, with players vocal about performance optimizations and bug fixes. Warhorse has listened intently, and the upcoming patch is designed to deliver on these demands. Expect significant improvements to frame rates, reduced loading times, and a general smoothing of the gameplay experience, particularly on less powerful hardware.

Beyond performance, the 1.2 patch will also introduce a wealth of enhancements aimed at refining the player’s journey through
15th-century Bohemia. This includes:

Revamped Combat Mechanics: Subtle yet impactful adjustments to combat flow, parry windows, and AI behavior are rumored to be included, offering a more nuanced and responsive fighting experience. Expanded Questlines and Lore: While not a complete overhaul, select quests are said to be receiving additional dialogue and minor narrative tweaks, deepening the immersion and providing new insights into the world.
Improved Inventory Management: A persistent request from players, the inventory system is expected to receive a significant overhaul, making item management more intuitive and less cumbersome.
Visual Polish: Minor graphical enhancements, including updated textures and improved lighting in certain areas, are also anticipated.

The simultaneous confirmation of a DRM-free Kingdom Come 2 and a substantial patch for its predecessor signals a period of renewed optimism and engagement for the Kingdom Come franchise. Warhorse Studios is not only looking forward with exciting new ventures but also demonstrating a deep commitment to its existing player base.

As the release date for the 1.2 patch draws near, and with the promise of a DRM-free Kingdom Come 2 on the horizon, players can rest assured that their continued adventures in the gritty, realistic world of medieval Bohemia are about to get even better. This marks a
significant moment for Warhorse Studios and a powerful signal to the wider industry about the value of player trust and freedom. The era of choice is dawning for Kingdom Come fans.