New Paths for Kingdom Come Deliverance's Future

After nearly nine years, Tom McKay has hung up his sword as Henry of Skalitz, the heart of Kingdom Come Deliverance. Warhorse Studios marked his final day in the recording booth with applause and, naturally, cake, as shared in a heartfelt video on social media. McKay's 1,200-plus hours of voice and motion-capture work brought medieval Bohemia to life, but his departure signals a shift for the franchise. Fans are already buzzing about what comes next, with some worried that Henry's story, tied to the 1403-1404 Bohemian conflicts, might be over for good.

The news hit during a busy time for Warhorse. Their second DLC for Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, Legacy of the Forge, launched in September 2025, while the upcoming Mysteria Ecclesiae expansion wraps up the game's story arc. McKay's exit raises a big question: can Warhorse keep the series' gritty, historical charm without its iconic protagonist? The studio's track record, from a record-breaking 2018 Kickstarter to 9 million units sold by mid-2025, suggests they're up for the challenge.

Warhorse Studios has always leaned hard into authenticity, and their tech reflects that. The Deliverance Engine, a customized branch of CryEngine, powers the series' stunning visuals, from photogrammetric forests to armor that clanks with every step. Recent upgrades, like a 2024 pipeline overhaul that cut animation retargeting time by 30 percent, show their commitment to refining the craft. The Legacy of the Forge DLC, with its 136 million possible homestead customization options, proves they can scale up without losing detail.

Still, the engine isn't perfect. Some players point to rigid AI systems and the lack of seamless map streaming as hurdles for future titles. Warhorse's focus on historical accuracy, like full-contact melee and 800-plus facial expressions for Henry, sets a high bar. But as hardware demands grow, with KCD 2 requiring 60 GB on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, the studio faces pressure to balance realism with accessibility. A rumored switch to Unreal Engine 5 could cut energy use by 15 percent per build, hinting at a sustainable path forward.

To understand where Kingdom Come might go, look at its DLC track record. The 'Shields of Seasons Passing' add-on for the first game drew 40 percent of base-game owners, a strong sign that players crave more story content, even at higher prices. Its success came from blending narrative depth with new mechanics, like seasonal events that changed the world's feel. Legacy of the Forge takes this further, letting players shape their homesteads in millions of ways, a nod to fan demands for deeper systems.

Compare that to Dragon Age: Inquisition's Trespasser DLC, which wrapped up its protagonist's arc while setting up a new era for the series. Inquisition's pivot to a new hero in Dragon Age: The Veilguard kept fans engaged by preserving core mechanics while refreshing the narrative. Warhorse could take a similar tack, perhaps exploring the Hussite Wars or Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, as some analysts suggest. Both case studies show that evolving a franchise means balancing familiarity with bold new steps.

Kingdom Come's dedicated player base is a force of its own. The PC modding scene, thriving with custom quests and visual overhauls, outpaces the more limited console mod support. These creators keep the game alive between releases, and Warhorse has shown openness to community feedback, even addressing player demand for deeper systems like housing. Warhorse's openness to community feedback, seen in their save-transfer requests and modding mentorship ideas, could bridge KCD 2 to a potential sequel.

The fanbase is not a monolith. Some cling to Henry, with social media posts showing deep attachment to McKay's performance, while others are excited for a fresh face. Representation debates also linger, with players noting gaps in diversity and gender roles in the series' 15th-century setting. Warhorse has worked with historians to nail armor physics and combat, as praised in a University of Prague study, but cultural sensitivity advisors for Mysteria Ecclesiae signal a response to these concerns.

Warhorse Studios stands at a crossroads. McKay's departure could push them toward an anthology format, weaving new stories in the same rich world. Partnerships with Czech tourism boards and universities for archival research hint at untapped potential, like on-location scans for future settings. The franchise's 18-month DLC roadmap, mirroring industry trends, shows they can keep players hooked, but a third game would need to innovate to avoid feeling stale.

Balancing hardcore combat with broader appeal remains tricky. The series' steep learning curve draws dedicated players but can scare off newcomers. Warhorse's next move, whether it's a new hero or a refined engine, will need to honor the past while carving a fresh path. With a passionate community and a knack for authenticity, the studio has the tools to keep Kingdom Come's flame burning bright.