Warhorse Studios faces AI backlash after translator claims he was replaced to cut costs

Warhorse Studios Faces Heat Over AI Use in Reddit AMA

Warhorse Studios walked into a firestorm during a recent Reddit AMA, facing relentless questions about its use of AI after former translator Max Hejtmanek publicly accused the Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 developer of terminating his position to save finances. Creative director Prokop Jirsa acknowledged the controversy upfront, stating "it was a really hot topic in our offices whether to do this AMA, but it gives us the opportunity to clear the air" 1

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In March, Hejtmanek revealed in a now-verified post that his position had been made "obsolete" as Warhorse Studios pivoted to generative AI for translation in a bid to make the company more efficient. The decision came as a shock to Max Hejtmanek, who had been vocally against using AI for translating but never imagined it would cost him his job 2

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. The translator replaced by AI controversy became the dominant theme of the session, with fans delivering pointed questions that ranged from sincere concern to biting sarcasm.

Studio Dodges Direct Questions About Dismissal

Despite the barrage of inquiries, Warhorse Studios repeatedly declined to address Hejtmanek's specific case directly. When pressed on HR matters, Jirsa maintained a consistent stance: "This touches on internal HR matters, so I can't comment on any present or past employee. That would be deeply unprofessional" 1

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. This HR-friendly boilerplate response appeared multiple times throughout the session, frustrating fans seeking transparency 2

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Fan criticism took creative forms during the Reddit AMA. One user sarcastically asked which of the five developers present could most easily be replaced with AI and when that would happen. Jirsa responded firmly: "Hopefully none of us, and never. And that applies to the whole team" 1

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. Another commenter asked if their dream of working as a translator for Warhorse Studios still had a chance, to which Jirsa invited them to apply, noting the studio was hiring human translators 2

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AI Limited to Early Stages of Production, Studio Claims

In an official comment from the Warhorse Studios account, the developer attempted to clarify its position on AI usage. "We do not see AI as a substitute for human work, and we are currently looking to expand the company, including our translation team," the statement read. The studio emphasized that some team members find AI useful during early stages of production, but crucially added: "However, we do not use AI-generated content in the final game and we have no plans to change this in the future" 1

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Jirsa stated the studio was "currently in the process of hiring new English translators. Actual humans" and planned to "have at least the same number of human translators on the next project as we had on KCD2" 2

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. This commitment to hiring human translators represents an attempt to reassure fans about the studio's values around human creativity, though it leaves Hejtmanek's specific situation unresolved.

Game Development Challenges and Industry Implications

The controversy arrives at a sensitive moment for the gaming industry, where AI integration faces intense scrutiny from both creators and players. Some fans pointed out that the firing came after players had called out allegedly AI-generated art found in-game 2

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. One translator expressed being "hurt and saddened by the news" of Hejtmanek's dismissal, highlighting how the decision resonates beyond a single case 2

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One commenter declared the session a "train wreck," prompting Jirsa to reflect on the decision to proceed despite internal debate. "Gamers care deeply about our industry and the people creating the things we all love," the creative director acknowledged 2

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. The tension between cost efficiency and preserving jobs for creative professionals will likely intensify as generative AI for translation and other tasks becomes more capable. For now, the translation team expansion at Warhorse Studios suggests the backlash may have influenced the company's immediate hiring plans, though questions linger about long-term strategies and whether other studios will face similar scrutiny.