Warhorse Studios Allegedly Replaces Longtime Translator With Artificial Intelligence to Optimize Development Efficiency

A Warhorse Studios translator claims he was replaced by AI to save costs. Learn how the Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 dev is using automation for localization.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 11:23 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from GamesIndustry.biz

Technological Displacement at a Premier RPG Developer

The intersection of generative technology and creative labor has reached a flashpoint at Warhorse Studios, the developer currently producing the highly anticipated Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. A former employee has come forward with allegations that his role was eliminated to make way for an automated translation pipeline, a move that signals a significant shift in how the studio handles international localization. According to the translator, identified as Max H., the decision was presented as a mechanical necessity to streamline operations and safeguard the company's financial health. This development reflects a growing trend where specialized roles, previously considered safe from automation due to their linguistic complexity, are being re-evaluated under new corporate efficiency mandates.

Sudden Termination and the Obsolescence of Human Roles

The transition away from human translation reportedly occurred with no prior warning, leaving the affected staff member in a state of shock after nearly four years with the firm. During a meeting on March 27, management allegedly informed the translator that his position had become obsolete, a term that has resonated painfully within the developer's community. According to the claims, while the internal use of AI had been a topic of frequent debate within the studio, the extent to which it would replace existing personnel was never fully disclosed to the staff. This lack of transparency has led to a sense of betrayal among long-term employees who believed their localized expertise was a valued asset to the studio’s narrative-heavy projects.

Corporate Rationale for AI-Driven Localization

The internal justification for the removal of human translators appears to be rooted in a broader effort to make the company more effective through the aggressive adoption of new technology. By utilizing AI for all future translations, Warhorse Studios reportedly aims to save finances during the high-pressure production cycle of its upcoming sequel. According to the allegations, management viewed the shift as a logical step toward modernization, prioritizing the speed and cost-effectiveness of machine learning over traditional human oversight. This strategy aligns with recent moves by several major publishers to integrate automated tools into their development workflows, thou...