Daniel Vávra, the director and writer behind the Kingdom Come: Deliverance series, recently shared his thoughts on AI in game development. Speaking via X in early February 2026, he emphasized that AI is not a temporary trend but a technology that is here to stay. His viewpoint aligns with Hideo Kojima, creator of the Metal Gear series, who has predicted that AI will create significant changes in the gaming industry within a few years. This stance contrasts with Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, who remains cautious about AI adoption.
Vávra highlighted a fan-made photorealistic video that depicts knights battling in a burning city, generated entirely by AI. He noted that producing such a scene traditionally would require a large team working for weeks. With AI, a single person completed the same content in just two days. This efficiency convinced Vávra that AI is unavoidable for producing large-scale projects in an era where time and cost are critical factors.
Divided Opinions Among Creators and Gamers
Vávra’s support of AI has sparked debates online. Proponents see AI as a tool that allows small teams with strong ideas to create AAA-level work without massive funding, democratizing creativity across the industry. Critics worry that AI-generated art may lack soul and human touch while raising concerns about potential job losses for traditional creative roles.
This is not the first time Vávra has defended AI in gaming. In late 2025, he supported Larian Studios, creators of Baldur’s Gate 3, when they faced criticism for experimenting with AI during development. He compared opposition to AI to the groups that resisted the steam engine during the Industrial Revolution, arguing that technologies that make hard work easier ultimately win in business.
AI in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
In the recently released Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, which launched on February 4, 2025, the team maintained historical accuracy and meticulous craftsmanship. Vávra confirmed the use of AI-assisted tools like Topaz Labs to upscale textures from the first game, freeing the team to focus on core gameplay elements rather than repetitive tasks.
Looking forward, Vávra envisions using AI in RPGs to enable players to ask anything to any NPC. Responses would be generated in historically accurate language and context, creating a richer and more immersive experience. He believes this technology will soon be practical and could revolutionize role-playing games.
Vávra’s remarks signal a growing acceptance of AI as a strategic tool in game development, balancing creativity with efficiency and shaping the future of interactive storytelling.
Source: Notebookcheck
