Warhorse Studios
Warhorse Studios: Crafting Medieval Reality in Gaming
Warhorse Studios, founded in 2011 in Prague, Czech Republic, has established itself as a developer dedicated to creating historically accurate medieval games. The studio was co-founded by Daniel Vávra and Martin Klíma, both veterans of the Czech gaming industry, with Vávra being known for his work on Mafia and Mafia II.
Studio Philosophy
What sets Warhorse Studios apart is their unwavering commitment to historical accuracy and realism. The development team includes historians and architecture experts who ensure that every aspect of their games, from buildings and costumes to combat mechanics and social systems, reflects the medieval period as accurately as possible.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
The studio's flagship title is "Kingdom Come: Deliverance," released in February 2018. This single-player action RPG is set in the medieval Kingdom of Bohemia, specifically in the year 1403. The game tells the story of Henry, a blacksmith's son, whose life is turned upside down when his village is attacked by raiders.
Key Features of Kingdom Come: Deliverance:
- Historically accurate recreation of medieval Bohemia
- Complex combat system based on real medieval fighting techniques
- Detailed RPG mechanics including skills, perks, and reputation systems
- Non-linear quest design with multiple solutions
- Advanced needs system including hunger, fatigue, and injuries
- Comprehensive crafting and alchemy systems
The game received significant acclaim for its attention to historical detail and innovative approach to medieval combat, though it also faced some criticism for technical issues at launch. Despite these challenges, it has sold over 4 million copies worldwide, establishing itself as a significant success for the studio.
Expansions and DLC
Following the success of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Warhorse Studios released several DLC packages:
- From the Ashes (2018) - Allowing players to rebuild and manage a village
- The Amorous Adventures of Bold Sir Hans Capon (2018)
- Band of Bastards (2019)
- A Woman's Lot (2019)
Current Projects
As of 2024, Warhorse Studios continues to operate under the ownership of Embracer Group (formerly THQ Nordic AB), which acquired the studio in 2019 for €33.2 million. While their next major project hasn't been officially announced, they are reportedly working on new developments utilizing their experience with historical gaming.
Impact on Gaming Industry
Warhorse Studios has made a significant impact on the gaming industry by:
- Demonstrating the viability of historically accurate medieval games
- Successfully using crowdfunding to launch a major gaming project
- Setting new standards for realism in medieval combat systems
- Proving that a mid-sized studio can create large-scale, complex RPGs
The studio continues to maintain its commitment to historical accuracy and deep gameplay mechanics, setting them apart in the modern gaming landscape. Their success has helped pave the way for other developers interested in creating historically accurate games, showing that there is a significant market for such detailed and realistic experiences.