Warhorse Studio Teases Next 'True to Colours' RPG Amid AI Controversy

Something massive is brewing at the studio that redefined medieval realism, and it is sending shockwaves through the RPG community. While fans are still sharpening their swords for the arrival of Henry’s next chapter, a new shadow—and a massive new promise—has emerged from the Czech developer's headquarters. Warhorse Studio is officially working on a new project that promises to be a "huge immersive RPG," but the announcement comes at a time of significant internal friction.

What this means for players: The studio is doubling down on the hardcore, story-driven experiences they are known for, but the path to this new title is being paved with modern development shortcuts that have already ignited a firestorm of debate. Whether this new project can live up to the studio's legendary pedigree while navigating ethical concerns will define the company's next decade.

Ondřej Bittner Teases Huge RPG

The first concrete details about the future beyond Bohemia came directly from the top. Content director Ondřej Bittner has confirmed that the team is "hard at work on... something" that will follow the massive launch of their current projects. During a recent discussion regarding the studio's roadmap, Bittner was careful not to name the title explicitly, but he used language that has sent the fanbase into a frenzy. He described the upcoming game as a "huge immersive RPG" that will be released in the "near future."

This confirmation is a relief for fans who worried the studio might pivot toward smaller, more experimental titles. Instead, Warhorse Studio is sticking to what they do best: deep, complex systems and uncompromising historical or high-fantasy narratives. Bittner emphasized that the title will be "true to our colours," a phrase that has become a mantra within the studio. This "True to Colours" philosophy implies a refusal to dumb down mechanics for a casual audience, maintaining the grit and difficulty that made their previous work a cult classic.

The timing of this reveal is particularly interesting given the current state of the industry. While many AAA developers are scaling back or moving toward live-service models, this team is leaning into the massive, single-player epic. The scale of this new project is reportedly on par with, if not larger than, the Eurogamer Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 coverage that has dominated headlines recently. The ambition is clear, but ambition often comes with a cost that isn't just measured in development hours.

Lord of the Rings Rumors Swirl

The biggest question hanging over the studio is the setting. While many expected a direct continuation of their medieval history focus, whispers of a Lord of the Rings project have refused to die down. When asked point-blank about the possibility of tackling Tolkien’s legendary world, the studio has remained frustratingly vague. They haven't confirmed a Lord of the Rings game, but they haven't denied it either, leading to intense speculation on every major gaming forum.

The "True to Colours" promise fits the Middle-earth mold surprisingly well. If any studio can capture the mud, blood, and sheer scale of a realistic fantasy world, it is this one. Fans have pointed out that the studio’s engine is already optimized for massive forest environments and complex social hierarchies, both of which are staples of the Lord of the Rings universe. A Reddit Q A recently saw fans dissecting every syllable of the developers' responses, looking for any hint that they might be trading the Holy Roman Empire for the Shire.

However, the "huge, story-driven" nature of the tease could just as easily point to a new original IP. The studio has built its reputation on historical accuracy, and shifting to high fantasy would be a monumental pivot. Regardless of the setting, the pressure to deliver a massive RPG experience is higher than ever. Players are looking for a world that reacts to their choices, and the studio’s commitment to immersion suggests they aren't planning on cutting any corners when it comes to world-building.

The AI Controversy Sparks Backlash

While the future looks bright on the creative front, the studio is currently embroiled in a heated AI Controversy. Reports have surfaced indicating that a long-time translator was let go and replaced by generative AI tools. This move has sparked a massive debate about the soul of RPG development and the human cost of efficiency. For a studio that prides itself on being "True to Colours" and deeply connected to its cultural roots, the decision to automate language translation feels like a betrayal to some segments of the community.

The backlash was swift, particularly on social media platforms where fans argued that AI cannot capture the nuance and historical flavor required for a high-level RPG. This AI Controversy isn't just about one job; it's about the precedent it sets for the "huge immersive RPG" currently in development. If dialogue and localization are being handed over to machines, players worry that the "story-driven" heart of the game will suffer. The studio has had to defend its development practices, claiming that technology is necessary to manage the sheer volume of text in their massive worlds.

This tension between technological advancement and creative integrity is the defining struggle for Warhorse Studio right now. On one hand, using AI could allow them to create a larger, more reactive world in a shorter timeframe. On the other hand, it risks alienating the very fans who value the hand-crafted, authentic feel of their games. The Reddit Q A sessions that were once filled with hype are now dominated by questions about how much of their upcoming "huge RPG" is actually being written by humans.

True to Colours Development Philosophy

Despite the noise, the studio's internal culture remains focused on its core identity. To be "True to Colours" means more than just a marketing slogan; it is an approach to game design that prioritizes realism over convenience. Whether it's the physics of a sword swing or the way a character reacts to the player's clothing, Warhorse Studio has always pushed the boundaries of what an RPG can simulate. This philosophy is expected to be the backbone of their next project, regardless of the setting.

The "near future" release window suggested by Bittner implies that while the game is a "huge immersive RPG," it may have been in development longer than the public realizes. The studio has become adept at working in the shadows, emerging only when they have something substantial to show. This strategy worked for the Eurogamer Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 reveal, which caught the industry by surprise with its level of polish and scale. They are clearly looking to repeat that success with this mystery project.

Ultimately, the studio is at a crossroads. They are expanding their horizons and potentially tackling some of the biggest licenses in fantasy, but they are doing so under the watchful eye of a community that is increasingly wary of corporate automation. The "True to Colours" promise will be put to the ultimate test when this new RPG finally breaks cover. If they can deliver the "huge, story-driven" experience they’ve promised while addressing the concerns of their fans, they will solidify their place as the kings of the modern RPG.

Warhorse Studio will likely use the momentum of their upcoming releases to transition into a full reveal for this mystery project by early 2025. Expect the studio to address the AI concerns by showcasing a "human-led" creative process in their next major developer diary. The project will almost certainly be a technical powerhouse designed to push current-gen consoles to their absolute limits.