Prague – A recent poll conducted by the British Academy of Film and
Television Arts (BAFTA) has placed the Czech-developed video game, Kingdom Come:
Deliverance 2, as the seventh most influential video game globally. This recognition
puts it ahead of established titans like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,
World of Warcraft, Dark Souls, and even the classic Tetris.
BAFTA announced
the results on their website, sparking considerable discussion within the gaming community.but
what makes a game from a relatively small studio in the Czech Republic so impactful?

The BAFTA poll served as a pre-declaration for their upcoming video game awards, scheduled for
April 8th. The academy posed the question, “What is the most influential video game?” to the
public. While BAFTA did not disclose the total number of participants, the results offer a glimpse
into the evolving landscape of gaming influence.

This recognition transcends mere popularity; it highlights the game’s lasting impact on the industry
and its players. Consider the influence of games like Grand Theft Auto V, which not
only redefined open-world gameplay but also sparked cultural conversations about violence and
social commentary. Similarly, Minecraft empowered a generation of creators and
reshaped how we think about user-generated content. For a U.S. audience familiar with these
trends, the inclusion of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 among these giants is
noteworthy.

Like its predecessor, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 transpires in the early 15th century,
amidst the political turmoil between Wenceslas IV and his brother Sigismund. Players assume the
role of Henry of
Skalice, navigating the landscapes of Bohemian Paradise and Kutná Hora. The developers at warhorse
Studios have emphasized a realistic depiction of medieval life, intricate environmental
interaction, and a compelling narrative.

Released on February 4th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, the game has garnered positive
reviews from both critics and players. About two months post-launch, VG Insights estimates that
the game is approaching three million copies sold. This commercial success underscores the growing
appetite for historically accurate and immersive RPG experiences.

Deliverance 2 commitment to authenticity has found favoring among voters. The word ‘absorbing’
has appeared here in more answers than any other game. Although its future impact is only
decided, this historic RPG (hero play) has already left a trace.

– BAFTA

BAFTA highlighted Kingdom Come: deliverance 2’s commitment to past accuracy as
a key factor in its appeal, noting that the term “absorbing” frequently appeared in player
feedback. This emphasis on realism sets it apart from many fantasy-themed RPGs prevalent in the
market. For U.S. gamers, who have seen a surge in popularity for historical settings in shows like
Vikings or The Last kingdom, this focus on authenticity likely resonates
deeply.

The placement of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 ahead of iconic titles like the
Sims, half-Life 2, and Super Mario 64 is a testament to its
impact. The Japanese game Shenmue,released in 1999,secured the top spot due to its
pioneering blend of gaming elements that continue to influence game design today.

In contrast, last year’s BAFTA Game Awards were dominated by Baldur’s Gate 3 from
Larian Studios, which secured five awards, including Best Game. Baldur’s Gate 3 was
placed 16th in the BAFTA survey. This year’s nominees for the 21st BAFTA Games Awards include
Black Myth: Wukong, Helldivers 2, and Astro Bot Advent.

One potential reason for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s high ranking could be its
unflinching portrayal of medieval life, including its harsh realities and moral complexities.
Unlike many RPGs that focus on heroic fantasy, Kingdom Come grounds players in a world
where survival is a constant struggle, and choices have meaningful consequences. This realism,
combined with a well-crafted story and engaging gameplay, may have resonated with voters seeking
a more mature and immersive gaming experience.

Furthermore, the game’s success highlights the growing importance of regional game advancement. while
the U.S. and Japan have historically dominated the gaming industry, studios from countries like
Poland (CD Projekt Red – The Witcher) and the Czech Republic (Warhorse Studios) are
increasingly making their mark. This diversification of talent and perspectives enriches the
gaming landscape and offers players fresh and unique experiences.

For U.S. developers, Kingdom come: Deliverance 2 serves as a valuable case study. It
demonstrates that focusing on authenticity, historical accuracy, and compelling storytelling can
lead to notable success, even without the massive budgets often associated with AAA titles.
The game’s popularity also underscores the potential for niche genres to find a wide audience,
provided they are executed with passion and attention to detail.

Though, the game has faced criticisms. As an example, some players have found the game’s combat
system challenging and unforgiving, while others have pointed out historical inaccuracies or
stereotypes present in the game’s portrayal of medieval society. these criticisms highlight the
inherent difficulty in creating a historically accurate and engaging game, and underscore the
importance of ongoing research and community feedback in game development.