Warhorse Studios: The Evolution of a Realistic RPG Powerhouse
Founded on a vision of historical authenticity and immersive storytelling, Warhorse Studios has grown from a small team of industry veterans into a significant player in the role-playing game (RPG) landscape. By blending meticulous research with open-world mechanics, the studio has carved out a unique niche in the gaming industry.
The Foundation and Early Years
The studio's journey began on July 25, 2011, when Dan Vávra, a former writer and game designer at 2K Czech, and Martin Klíma, previously a producer at Bohemia Interactive, announced its foundation. To build their initial team, they brought on early hires Viktor Bocan and Zbyněk Trávnický.
Their debut project, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, was a labor of ambition that finally reached players on February 13, 2018. The game's commitment to realism resonated with audiences, leading to six million units sold by February 2024.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Growth, Acquisition, and Expansion
The success of their first title attracted significant corporate interest. On February 13, 2019, Warhorse Studios was acquired by Koch Media (which later rebranded as Plaion in 2022) for €42.8 million. This acquisition provided the stability needed for growth; by August 2019, the studio's workforce had grown to 131 employees.
Seeking to bring their experience to more platforms, the studio collaborated with Saber Interactive starting in June 2021 to develop a port for the Nintendo Switch. This effort culminated in the March 2024 release of Kingdom Come: Deliverance Royal Edition, a comprehensive package including the original game and five pieces of downloadable content (DLC).
The Era of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
In April 2024, the studio announced the highly anticipated sequel, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. By this stage, the company had expanded its talent pool to approximately 250 employees. The sequel's launch in February 2025 was a commercial triumph, selling one million units in a single day and reaching a milestone of 4 million units sold by November 12.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]A New Chapter and Future Projects
The studio entered a transitional phase in early 2026 when founder Dan Vávra stepped away from day-to-day business operations to focus on a film adaptation of Kingdom Come. Management responsibilities were transferred to Prokop Jirsa and Viktor Bocan.
In May 2026, Warhorse Studios revealed an ambitious roadmap involving the simultaneous development of two open-world RPGs. The first is a new "Kingdom Come adventure" led by Creative Director Prokop Jirsa. The second is a high-profile project set in Middle-earth, the world of The Lord of the Rings, under the leadership of Viktor Bocan.
Key Facts
- Founded: July 25, 2011, by Dan Vávra and Martin Klíma.
- Major Acquisition: Acquired by Koch Media (now Plaion) in 2019 for €42.8 million.
- Commercial Success: Kingdom Come: Deliverance sold 6 million units; the sequel sold 1 million units on its first day.
- Workforce: Grew from a small founding team to approximately 250 employees by 2024.
- Future Pipeline: Currently developing a new Kingdom Come title and a Lord of the Rings RPG.
| Year | Event/Release | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Studio Foundation | Founded by Dan Vávra and Martin Klíma |
| 2018 | Kingdom Come: Deliverance | Debut RPG released February 13 |
| 2019 | Acquisition | Purchased by Koch Media for €42.8 million |
| 2024 | Royal Edition | Nintendo Switch release including 5 DLCs |
| 2025 | Kingdom Come: Deliverance II | 1 million units sold in one day |
| 2026 | New Projects | Middle-earth RPG and new Kingdom Come adventure |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Warhorse Studios?
The studio was founded on July 25, 2011, by Dan Vávra, a former writer and designer at 2K Czech, and Martin Klíma, a former producer at Bohemia Interactive.
How many copies of Kingdom Come: Deliverance were sold?
By February 2024, the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance had sold six million units.
Who owns Warhorse Studios?
The studio was acquired by Koch Media in February 2019 for €42.8 million. Koch Media was later renamed Plaion in 2022.
What is the current leadership of the studio?
Following Dan Vávra's withdrawal from daily operations in early 2026, management was handed over to Prokop Jirsa and Viktor Bocan.
What upcoming games is Warhorse Studios developing?
The studio is currently working on two open-world RPGs: a new adventure in the Kingdom Come series and a project set in the world of The Lord of the Rings.