At a time when the use of artificial intelligence has become more widespread in entertainment media, the implementation of AI in video games has grown to become a very polarizing topic. Debates sway between those who see AI as a tool for technological efficiency while others see a lack of passion and commitment when generative programs are used to replace creative roles. Perhaps the biggest issue noted by opponents of AI in gaming is the reduction in workforce, where mass layoffs that attempt to cut costs then leave teams understaffed while AI is expected to fill the gaps. A recent alleged example of this has come from an earlier one Warhorse Studios employee who claims Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 studio ended its position in favor of an AI replacement.
The latest firing controversy comes after major layoffs at Epic Games, as well as legal issues for Rockstar Games involving unpaid employee wages. The video game industry has been in turbulent waters since the summer of 2023, with dozens of studios closed, countless games canceled, and thousands losing their jobs. Between the general negativity surrounding these layoffs and the heated discussions about AI, it should come as no surprise that the former Warhorse Studios employee's firing accusation has quickly gained momentum online.
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Former Warhorse Studios employees claim they were replaced by AI
The person in question, who has identified himself as Max H, claims to have worked for Warhorse Studios since July 2022 as a Czech to English translator. They claim they were invited to a meeting on March 27, 2026, and were suddenly informed that their position at the company would be “obsolete” as of April 2026. According to the statement, the company informed Max H that an effort to be “more efficient” and “save the economy” resulted in a desire to use “AI for all translations going forward.” Max H further claims that talks about the use of AI for translations at Warhorse Studios had come up before, and Max H “was always strongly and strongly against” such changes. Max H now feels “incredibly betrayed” but has asked fans to refrain from harassing remaining employees and to refrain from review bombing games from Warhorse Studios.
At the time of writing, there has been no official statement regarding Max H's claim from Warhorse Studios. Moderators under the original Reddit post claim to have officially verified the identity of Max H, although it remains unknown how this verification was completed. Some commenters below the post believe they have found a LinkedIn account related to the potential Max H, but these also remain unsubstantiated at this time. It's important to note that any verification of Max H's identity doesn't necessarily make the claim of being terminated and replaced by AI legitimate, so audiences may want to keep an eye on how the situation develops. Given the large number of video game company layoffs in recent years, there's no way to know if Warhorse Studios will ever make an official acknowledgment or statement on the matter.
Warhorse Studios is far from the only company facing accusations of laying off employees in favor of AI replacements. An internal memo sent out after Microsoft's layoffs in 2025 noted that AI tools were a priority after those specific layoffs, leading many to question whether other major game studios would also take advantage of artificial intelligence to achieve cost-cutting measures. As it stands, no formal evidence has been produced to verify the claim Warhorse Studios replaces its employees with AI, but fans of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 may want to keep an eye open for any updates on the situation.
- Released
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February 4, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+/Use of alcohol, blood and grime, sexual content, strong language, intense violence, partial nudity
- Developer
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Warhorse Studios
Source: Max H
