Why Kingdom Come: Deliverance Co-Founder Thinks RPGs Are Still Stuck in Teenager Phase

If you have ever felt bored by the repetitive nature of modern RPG design, you are not alone. Martin Klima, co-founder of Warhorse Studios and the creative force behind Kingdom Come: Deliverance, recently voiced his frustration with the industry’s reliance on tired tropes. For Klima, the classic narrative of a ‘chosen one’ destined to save the universe has become a stagnant cycle that no longer serves an increasingly mature gaming audience.

The Problem with the ‘Chosen One’ Trope

Klima argues that the standard RPG formula—where players act as a messiah figure battling a dark lord—has become far too predictable. He compares this repetitive cycle to Progress Quest, a satirical take on early MMOs that poked fun at the ‘time-vampire’ nature of grind-heavy games. According to Klima, many current titles are little more than sophisticated Skinner boxes that offer the same straightforward power fantasy that players have been consuming for decades.

• Lack of Innovation: Publishers often cling to successful formulas, recycling narrative structures that are safe rather than bold.
• Narrative Stagnation: By focusing on the ‘chosen one,’ developers often neglect the nuances of grounding a character in a realistic, relatable world.
• Audience Misalignment: While these tropes might resonate with younger players, the average age of the gaming demographic has shifted significantly, yet the stories remain stuck in adolescence.

Are Modern RPGs Still Designed for Teenagers?

One of the most provocative points in Klima’s critique is his assertion that many AAA RPG design choices are fundamentally geared toward teenagers. He notes that while 16 or 17-year-olds might crave the sense of empowerment found in traditional power fantasies, the industry has failed to evolve alongside its players.

The games that were and sort of are being made are still the games for teenagers.

Klima clarifies that there is nothing inherently wrong with power fantasies, but the sheer volume of them is what causes the burnout. When the market is flooded with games that follow an identical structural blueprint, it leaves little room for the grounded, character-driven storytelling that defined the vision for Kingdom Come: Deliverance.

Why Publishers Play It Safe

Why do we keep seeing the same stories? Klima points the finger at the publishing side of the industry. Major players, such as Ubisoft, are often criticized for their reliance on proven mechanics and narrative loops. Because publishers are incentivized to mitigate risk, they lean heavily into formulas that have worked before. This cycle of recycling prevents the genre from maturing, as developers are rarely encouraged to break the mold or explore themes that don’t fit into the high-fantasy ‘save the world’ framework.

Ultimately, Klima’s message is a call to action for the industry to recognize that players want more than just another heroic epic. They want depth, realism, and stories that respect the intelligence of an older, more experienced audience.

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