Warhorse Studios confirms: Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (KCD2) will launch DRM-free! Dismissing earlier rumors, the developer assures players the medieval RPG will not include any digital rights management (DRM) software.
Developer Clarifies Absence of DRM in KCD2
Recent speculation about KCD2 incorporating DRM, specifically Denuvo, has been decisively refuted by Warhorse Studios. PR head Tobias Stolz-Zwilling addressed fan concerns during a Twitch stream, clarifying that the game will launch without any DRM. He attributed the confusion to misinformation and urged players to stop inquiring about DRM's presence. Stolz-Zwilling emphasized that any unconfirmed reports are inaccurate.
"KCD 2 will not include Denuvo or any other DRM system," Stolz-Zwilling stated. "We never confirmed otherwise. There was some miscommunication, but the final decision is DRM-free."
The absence of DRM is welcome news for many gamers, who often associate DRM with performance issues. Denuvo, in particular, has drawn criticism for alleged negative impacts on gameplay, despite its role as anti-piracy software. Denuvo's product manager, Andreas Ullmann, has previously acknowledged the negative perception, attributing it to misinformation and confirmation bias.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is set for release in February 2025 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game continues Henry's story in medieval Bohemia, following a devastating event in his village. Players who contributed at least $200 to the Kickstarter campaign will receive a free copy.
