This blog post digs into reports that Warhorse Studios plans to swap out human translation for AI translation in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. That shift led to the sudden exit of longtime English editor Max Hejtmánek.
We’ll look at what went down, who’s feeling the fallout, and what this could mean for game localization. There’s plenty to chew on about generative AI, and the industry’s never-ending debate over efficiency versus human touch.
What happened at Warhorse Studios
In late March 2026, a senior localization pro was told his position was now “obsolete.” Warhorse Studios reportedly plans to “use AI for all translations going forward” to streamline things and save money.
The news came out of nowhere. The employee was in the middle of working on more content for the project, and after nearly four years with the company, he felt blindsided and let down.
He shared his story on the r/kingdomcome subreddit, where moderators checked his identity. His LinkedIn profile now shows he’s no longer with Warhorse.
Key details and context
Some details here really stand out for anyone watching the industry:
- March 27, 2026: That’s when he was told his role was ending in favor of AI-driven translation.
- He’d spent almost four years at Warhorse and was mid-project, which really highlights the impact on experienced staff.
- He said he won’t break his NDA, isn’t looking to get his job back, and doesn’t plan to sue. He does want to talk publicly about what happened.
- Kotaku says one other in-house localizer is still at the studio for now.
- Warhorse Studios hasn’t made any public comment about all this—at least not in any outlets mentioned so far.
Industry implications of AI-driven localization
This situation shines a light on the growing tension between human localization experts and studios betting on AI. Execs love to tout generative AI for saving time and money, but let’s be honest—fans, writers, and analysts are still arguing about what gets lost along the way.
Why this matters for projects and fans
- Quality vs efficiency: AI can crank out translations fast, but it’s not always great at picking up cultural nuance, humor, or the kind of context that makes game stories feel real.
- Talent retention: Veteran translators know the project inside out. They keep terminology consistent and help spot risks—stuff that’s tough for AI to handle on its own.
- Community sentiment: Fans often trust a game more when they know people, not just algorithms, are behind it. Layoffs tied to AI can spark backlash and worry about what’s next.
- Operational risk: Suddenly losing key people in the middle of development can mess up workflows and raise questions about NDA compliance.
Ethical and practical considerations
There’s more at stake than just one person’s job. This whole episode brings up tough questions about how studios use AI in localization.
Studios have to balance being open with keeping their edge, all while thinking about data privacy and the long-term health of game localization. The debate stretches into labor standards, the value of real human work, and maybe even new rules for how AI should (or shouldn’t) help translate creative stuff.
What comes next for developers and the community
Studios are starting to experiment with AI translation tools. Maybe the future lies in hybrid models that mix machine outputs with actual human review.
This approach could help preserve accuracy and cultural nuance while still making things more efficient. If studios communicate openly with the community about how they’re handling localization, that could go a long way.
Investing in upskilling translators so they can work alongside AI might help balance innovation with the kind of storytelling fans expect from big titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. It’s not an easy line to walk.
Right now, Warhorse Studios stands at a tricky crossroads. They need to keep development moving, deal with workforce changes, and somehow meet the expectations of a passionate fanbase that’s skeptical about swapping expert localization for automated processes.
The industry is watching all of this play out. Can AI-powered workflows really deliver both quality and speed, or will something essential get lost along the way?
Here is the source article for this story: Translator On Kingdom Come 2 Claims He Was Replaced With AI