Why did Warhorse replace a translator with AI?

Question

Hans Steiner · Accepted Answer

Warhorse allegedly swapped a translator for AI

A former English translator and editor for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 says he was fired and replaced with AI. In the allegation, Warhorse Studios decided to “use ‘AI for all translations going forward’” and aimed to “save finances” by changing how language work is handled. The translator also said he felt “incredibly betrayed” by management.

This matters for multiple reasons:

Localization quality and accountability: Translators and editors are typically responsible for nuance, tone, consistency, and cultural fit. If AI is used for all translations, it raises questions about who remains accountable for accuracy and style.
Cost-cutting versus long-term investment: Translation is a core part of making games accessible globally. Moving it in-house to AI can reduce near-term costs, but it may increase the need for review and QA elsewhere.
Industry direction on generative AI: The claim fits a broader pattern of companies experimenting with generative AI for content work, even when the result affects critical production pipelines.

At the same time, key details remain missing from the public record in the provided stories: no official Warhorse statement is included here about whether the translator was replaced exactly as described, how AI outputs would be reviewed, or what the final localization workflow will look like.

For players, the immediate impact would likely be text quality and consistency across supported languages—especially in dialogue-heavy RPGs where writing and character voice are central to the experience.