Kingdom Come: Deliverance Director Daniel Vávra Steps Away From Game Development to Pursue Film Adaptation

Daniel Vávra, co-founder of Warhorse Studios and the creative force behind the Kingdom Come: Deliverance series, is transitioning away from game development to focus on bringing the medieval RPG to the big screen. This shift in role was announced by Warhorse Studios, emphasizing that it is a voluntary move aligned with Vávra’s long-term aspirations.

From Game Designer to Filmmaker

Vávra, who also served as lead writer for the Mafia series (Mafia in 2002 and Mafia II in 2010), made the decision after the success of Kingdom Come: Deliverance (2018) and its sequel, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (2025). He co-founded Warhorse Studios in 2011 and has been instrumental in the studio’s success. He will be focusing on the creation of a Kingdom Come: Deliverance movie.

Leadership Transition at Warhorse Studios

Following Vávra’s departure from day-to-day game development, Prokop Jirsa and Viktor Bocan, both experienced members of the Kingdom Come team, have been promoted to creative directors. Martin Frývaldský, head of Warhorse Studios, clarified that Vávra remains connected to the studio in a broader capacity. “Dan himself wanted to move on. He made three games that were a global success and he has been wanting to try something different for a long time,” Frývaldský stated in an interview with CzechCrunch.

Film Adaptation Plans

Warhorse Studios is actively pursuing the film adaptation, with a draft script already completed and initial negotiations underway with production studios. Frývaldský indicated that the studio has been exploring transmedia projects, including comics, concerts, and tourism, but the film adaptation is the most ambitious undertaking to date. PSU.com reports that Vávra’s modern position could be described as a transmedia director.

Mixed Reactions and Internal Dynamics

The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing disappointment at Vávra’s departure from game development although others applaud his pursuit of a new creative challenge. Reports from Czech media, including comments from journalist Vojtěch Gibiš, suggest that there may have been internal tensions within Warhorse Studios leading up to this decision. IGN notes that Gibiš shared on X (formerly Twitter) that sources familiar with the company indicated Vávra’s position within the company was precarious.

Vávra’s Perspective

Vávra himself addressed the transition on his Facebook account, stating, “Finally, I won’t hold back Warhorse from flying! Where could they have been without me a long time ago!” This statement has been interpreted by some as a reflection of his confidence in the studio’s ability to thrive independently.

Warhorse Studios’ Future

Despite Vávra’s shift in focus, Warhorse Studios remains committed to its core mission. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, released in February 2025, has already sold over five million copies worldwide , demonstrating the continued strength of the franchise. The studio now faces the challenge of maintaining its quality and success without its founder at the helm of game development.