If you've taken a break from gaming this year to enjoy the real world, you may have noticed something unusual happening at major film festivals worldwide. It began in May when a film based on the viral Japanese indie game Exit 8 premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival—the first video game adaptation ever shown there. Director Genki Kawamura reworked the source material with an innovative narrative approach, attracting both arthouse audiences and dedicated gamers. Of course, live-action video game adaptations are nothing new.

That’s what makes Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Cinematic Cut so intriguing. It isn’t a live-action version of Warhorse Studios' acclaimed RPG but a condensed, reedited rendition of the game's first act. This two-hour linear presentation combines cutscenes and gameplay, offering a fresh format. It stood out as one of the most unconventional presentations at this month's Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic—a bold cross-media experiment. Surprisingly, the idea didn't originate from Warhorse.

"It all started at the official launch of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2," explains Karel Och, artistic director of KVIFF. "We connected through a mutual acquaintance, and both Warhorse and the festival expressed interest in collaborating. Over the following months, it was exciting to see what Warhorse embodies—and I believe the sentiment was mutual on their side."

Tobias Stolz-Zwilling, Warhorse’s communications director, agrees. "The festival wanted to modernize and diversify its offerings—to present something truly novel." As the largest film festival in Eastern Europe, KVIFF draws a younger, more adventurous audience than many of its peers. The studio recognized the festival's unconventional proposal as an opportunity to elevate video games' cultural significance in the mainstream. Besides, much of the game's cinematic team already shared the festival's artistic language.

Petr Pekař, the cinematic director for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, originally studied film editing and directing with aspirations of traditional filmmaking but found his passion in video games. "There are many filmmakers in the Czech Republic, but the market is relatively small, making it quite competitive," Pekař notes. "Fortunately, several studios specialize in creating cutscenes, which are essentially animated films." Pekař honed his skills working on Mafia 3 before joining Warhorse—first as a cinematic designer on the original Kingdom Come, then as director on its sequel.

Presenting Deliverance 2’s cutscenes on the big screen invites comparisons with traditional cinema, a different context from their original role. "As a player, you’re primarily eager to play the game," says Pekař. "Cutscenes are like a bonus—not essential, but when they work well, they enhance the story and overall atmosphere."

The Cinematic Cut opens, fittingly, with the game’s introductory cutscene. At first, it feels like watching a YouTube compilation titled 'Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 – All Cutscenes' ("I doubt anyone actually watches those in full," Pekař remarks). The cinematic direction is polished yet familiar, drawing on classic high fantasy elements. A dramatic castle siege strongly evokes Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy—a key inspiration for Warhorse’s visual style. On the cinema screen, the scene highlights how video games have long borrowed from cinematic traditions, allowing us to step into beloved fantasy scenarios. Yet, unlike the game, the Cinematic Cut doesn’t deliver the interactive experience—it remains non-playable.

When the cutscene ends, something interesting occurs. Father Godwin prepares his crossbow, and the perspective shifts to first-person. But this isn’t a typical Let's Play. Sharp, rapid edits introduce a cinematic grammar to the gameplay. Godwin approaches the stairs—cut—he’s midway up—cut—he’s on the ramparts, engaging an enemy. It’s surprisingly dynamic. "Most of the gameplay was recorded by Vítek Mičke, our marketing specialist," Pekař explains. "He also produces our trailers and has a keen sense of timing and visual style. He knows how to maneuver the camera to set the scene and create the right mood—so it always looks impressive."

A few clumsy transitions interrupt the otherwise smooth cinematic rhythm. For instance, a sudden switch to a ladder lowering feels distinctly like a gameplay segment ending, reminding viewers of the original game’s mission-based structure. Still, such moments are rare and underscore how effectively Warhorse executed this experimental format.

"I believe this is an experiment others can refine or that we might revisit in future projects, learning from our missteps," Pekař reflects. "Watching it on the big screen was a unique experience—and I was surprised it held up. It’s unconventional, yet it works. It won’t replace traditional films, but for festivals, conventions, and fans, it’s a format I expect others to explore."

The KVIFF team is equally satisfied with the outcome. "Storytelling takes many forms," says Och. "We’re honored to have written a new chapter in the festival’s modern history alongside partners we deeply respect, all united by a shared vision."

"I think this format builds a bridge," Pekař concludes. "Gamers can develop a deeper appreciation for aesthetics, cinematography, and mood in games, while film enthusiasts can better understand how narrative functions in interactive media. When the two worlds intersect, it often sparks innovative, exciting ideas. Stepping outside our comfort zones helps us appreciate each other’s art forms."

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Cinematic Cut is available for streaming on the KVIFF.TV website for a small fee (approximately $6) until July 31, 2027.