Kingdom Come: Deliverance Developer Criticizes 'Teenage' RPGs Focused on Power Fantasies

Martin Klima, co-founder of Kingdom Come: Deliverance studio Warhorse Studios, has expressed his frustration with RPGs that are merely 'power fantasy' trips 'for teenagers.' In an interview with PC Gamer, Klima shared his disdain for the typical RPG formula that casts players as 'the chosen one' with a 'grand task of saving the universe.' He finds this setup 'repetitive' and believes many others are also tired of it.

Klima acknowledged his love for the RPG genre but criticized games that still cater to a teenage audience. He noted that while power fantasies appeal to 16- and 17-year-olds, today's audience is much older. He also clarified that his comments were not aimed at any specific game, such as Expedition 33.

According to Klima, the blame lies with major publishers who rely on recycling successful formulas. He pointed to Ubisoft as an example, praising the 'excellent craftsmanship' of their games but wishing that same quality was applied to more innovative ideas. He recalled enjoying the original Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Watch Dogs, but noted that repetition makes them stale over time.

Klima's studio, Warhorse, has been praised for deviating from the norm with Kingdom Come: Deliverance. He recently also commented on how he hopes GTA 6 will 'blaze a trail' for higher game prices. IGN reviewed Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 upon its release last year, awarding it a 9/10.