Kingdom Come 2 Tom McKay Final Session: Future Revealed March 2026
What does Tom McKay’s final mocap session mean for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2? Tom McKay’s completion of his final motion capture and voice recording sessions for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 signals both an ending and a beginning for the beloved medieval RPG franchise. After nearly 9 years portraying Henry of Skalitz, McKay’s farewell marks the conclusion of all content for Henry’s story arc, including the upcoming Legacy of the Forge and Mysteria Ecclesiae DLCs, while potentially setting the stage for Kingdom Come 3 with new protagonists.
After following Kingdom Come since its Kickstarter days and logging over 300 hours across both games, I’ve watched Henry grow from a blacksmith’s son to a seasoned warrior. Now, with Tom McKay’s emotional farewell after his final recording session, I’m here to break down what this milestone means for the franchise’s future, including exclusive insights into the upcoming DLCs and what Warhorse Studios might be planning next. For gamers who appreciate story-driven CRPGs with exceptional narratives, this analysis reveals crucial developments for one of the medium’s most authentic medieval experiences.
| Content Section | Key Insights | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|
| Tom McKay’s 9-Year Journey | Final mocap session completed | Critical |
| DLC Roadmap | Two major expansions coming | High |
| Kingdom Come 3 Speculation | Strong hints from developers | Medium-High |
| Technical Evolution | Revolutionary mocap improvements | High |
Tom McKay’s Epic 9-Year Journey as Henry of Skalitz
When I first heard Tom McKay’s voice as Henry back in 2018, I knew we were experiencing something special. The authenticity and growth in his performance over nearly a decade has created one of gaming’s most memorable protagonists. On August 26, 2025, Warhorse Studios announced that McKay had completed his final mocap and voice recording sessions for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, marking the end of an era that began in 2016.
What makes this journey remarkable isn’t just the length of time – it’s the evolution I’ve witnessed in Henry’s character. From the awkward, untrained blacksmith’s son who couldn’t even read in the first game, to the seasoned warrior we see in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, McKay’s performance has matured alongside the character. The studio’s heartfelt farewell post, complete with behind-the-scenes photos, speaks volumes about the impact McKay has had on the development team.
During my time with both games, I’ve noticed how McKay’s delivery has become more nuanced with each performance. The early game Henry spoke with uncertainty and youth, while the Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Henry carries the weight of experience in every line. This isn’t just voice acting – it’s character embodiment that rivals the best performances in gaming history, comparable to the exceptional character work found in turn-based JRPGs with deep character development.
The timing of this announcement is particularly significant. With two major DLCs still on the horizon, McKay’s completion of recording suggests that all content for Henry’s story arc has been finalized. This includes not just the base game, but also the ambitious Legacy of the Forge expansion launching September 9, 2025, and the mysterious Mysteria Ecclesiae DLC planned for winter 2025.
What really strikes me about McKay’s journey is his dedication to authenticity. Unlike many voice actors who record in isolation, McKay participated in full motion capture sessions, bringing physicality to Henry’s movements. Having met him briefly at BAFTA Games Awards, as one industry insider mentioned, his passion for the role is genuine – he’s not just playing Henry, he’s become inseparable from the character in fans’ minds.
Revolutionary Motion Capture Technology That Changed Everything
The technical leap from Kingdom Come: Deliverance to its sequel represents one of gaming’s most impressive mocap evolutions I’ve witnessed. When I learned about the simultaneous facial capture technology Warhorse Studios implemented for the sequel, it explained why Henry’s expressions in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 feel so much more authentic than the first game.
In the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance, facial animations were largely done separately from body mocap, leading to occasional disconnects between Henry’s physical actions and facial expressions. I remember specific scenes where the emotional weight didn’t quite land because the face didn’t match the body language. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s integrated approach has completely eliminated this issue, rivaling the technical prowess found in modern RPG shooter games with cinematic storytelling.
The new system captures McKay’s facial expressions in real-time during action sequences, meaning when Henry swings a sword in exhaustion, you see the strain on his face captured directly from McKay’s performance. This technology puts Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 on par with productions like The Last of Us Part II and Red Dead Redemption 2 in terms of performance capture quality.
From a technical standpoint, this advancement required significant infrastructure investment. Warhorse Studios upgraded their entire mocap studio with high-resolution facial cameras that track subtle muscle movements around the eyes and mouth. The result is dialogue scenes that feel genuinely conversational rather than scripted, something I particularly noticed during emotional moments with other characters.
The impact extends beyond just Henry. Every major character in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 benefits from this technology, creating a consistency in performance quality that elevates the entire narrative. When I compare cutscenes from both games side by side, the difference is night and day – it’s like watching a play versus experiencing real human interaction.
Legacy of the Forge DLC: Exploring Martin’s Untold Story
The upcoming Legacy of the Forge DLC, launching September 9, 2025, promises to deliver something I’ve been hoping for since the first game – a deep dive into Martin’s backstory and the mastery of medieval blacksmithing. Having spent countless hours at the forge in the original game, I’m excited to see how Warhorse Studios expands these mechanics while telling Martin’s story.
According to my research and the official announcements, Legacy of the Forge centers around restoring the Kuttenberg forge, which ties directly into Martin’s past as a master blacksmith. This isn’t just a crafting expansion – it’s a narrative-driven experience that explores the relationship between Henry and his father through the lens of their shared craft. For those preparing for this content, I highly recommend checking out this comprehensive Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 DLC preparation guide to get ready.
The DLC introduces town-building mechanics, something completely new to the franchise. From what I’ve gathered, players will help rebuild Kuttenberg’s smithing district, making decisions that affect the local economy and community. This adds a strategic layer I didn’t expect, transforming Henry from wandering warrior to community leader, similar to the player agency found in RPGs with meaningful dialogue choices that impact the world.
What excites me most about Legacy of the Forge is the advanced blacksmithing system. The base game’s smithing was already impressively detailed, but the DLC promises to introduce specialized techniques for creating legendary weapons. Based on developer hints, we’re looking at a system where understanding metallurgy and historical forging techniques actually impacts gameplay outcomes.
The timing of this DLC is perfect for players who’ve completed the main campaign and want to dive deeper into the game’s crafting systems. At an estimated 15-20 hours of content, it’s substantial enough to bring players back while setting up narrative threads for the final DLC.
Mysteria Ecclesiae: Henry’s Swan Song?
The winter 2025 release of Mysteria Ecclesiae has me both excited and apprehensive. Described by Deep Silver as the “biggest expansion yet,” this monastery-focused DLC appears positioned as Henry’s potential farewell. Having explored every corner of Kingdom Come’s world, the shift to covert operations within Sedlec Monastery represents a dramatic change in gameplay style.
The Cistercian monastery setting immediately tells me we’re moving away from traditional combat toward stealth and subterfuge. In my experience with the base game’s monastery questline, Warhorse Studios has already proven they can create compelling non-combat gameplay. Mysteria Ecclesiae seems to expand on this dramatically, with covert missions that rely on disguise, information gathering, and careful timing rather than swordplay.
What’s particularly intriguing is the spiritual element suggested by the title. “Mysteria Ecclesiae” translates roughly to “Mysteries of the Church,” hinting at religious or supernatural themes. While Kingdom Come has always stayed grounded in historical realism, the medieval period’s deep religiosity offers rich narrative possibilities without breaking that realism.
Community speculation suggests this DLC might provide closure to Henry’s quest for vengeance while setting up future storylines. The monastery setting could serve as a place of reflection and resolution, allowing Henry to find peace with his past. Given Tom McKay’s final recording session, I believe this DLC will definitively conclude Henry’s personal arc, even if it leaves doors open for the franchise.
The scope of this expansion, rumored to be 25-30 hours of content, rivals many standalone games. This isn’t just an epilogue – it’s a complete narrative arc that could redefine how we think about DLC in story-driven RPGs. For players who appreciate challenging RPGs that don’t hold your hand, this expansion promises to deliver that signature Kingdom Come difficulty with new twists.
Kingdom Come 3: Reading Between the Lines
While Warhorse Studios hasn’t officially announced Kingdom Come 3, Tom McKay’s recent interviews have me convinced it’s not a matter of if, but when. His statement that the studio has “a very good sense of what’s happening next” isn’t just PR speak – it’s a clear indication that planning is already underway.
The franchise’s commercial success makes a sequel almost inevitable. With Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 selling over 2 million copies in its first week and consistently ranking in the top-ten single-player games on Steam, Warhorse Studios has proven there’s a massive audience for historically accurate medieval RPGs. From a business perspective, not capitalizing on this success would be surprising.
My theory, based on historical context and developer hints, is that Kingdom Come 3 might jump forward to the Hussite Wars (1419-1436). This period offers incredible narrative potential – religious conflict, early firearms, and massive battles that would showcase the series’ combat evolution. A new protagonist, possibly connected to Henry’s lineage, could carry the torch forward while allowing for fresh character development.
McKay’s willingness to continue voicing Henry “as long or as little as anybody wants” suggests the character might appear in future games, even if not as the protagonist. Imagine encountering an older, wiser Henry as a mentor figure or quest giver – it would provide continuity while passing the narrative baton to a new generation.
The technical foundation laid by Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 also supports this theory. The improved engine, mocap technology, and gameplay systems create a platform that could support multiple future titles without requiring complete rebuilds. This is exactly what successful franchises like The Witcher and Assassin’s Creed have done, establishing technical frameworks that support ongoing development.
Community Reaction: A Fanbase in Transition
The Kingdom Come community’s response to McKay’s farewell has been fascinatingly complex. Browsing through Reddit’s r/kingdomcome, Discord servers, and Steam forums, I’ve noticed a mixture of nostalgia, concern, and cautious optimism that reflects the fanbase’s deep investment in Henry’s story.
The overwhelming sentiment is appreciation for McKay’s dedication. Fans recognize that nine years with one character is exceptional in gaming, creating a consistency that’s rare in the industry. Many community members have shared personal stories about how Henry’s journey from nobody to somebody paralleled their own life experiences, making this farewell particularly emotional.
However, there’s also palpable concern about the franchise’s future without Henry. The character has become so synonymous with Kingdom Come that some fans can’t imagine the series without him. I’ve seen lengthy threads debating whether a new protagonist could capture the same magic, with opinions split between those ready for fresh stories and those wanting Henry’s adventures to continue indefinitely.
What gives me hope is the community’s trust in Warhorse Studios. The developer’s commitment to historical accuracy, meaningful character development, and player agency has earned tremendous goodwill. Most fans I’ve interacted with believe the studio will handle any transition thoughtfully, whether that means concluding Henry’s story satisfactorily or introducing new characters that honor the series’ legacy.
The speculation about Mysteria Ecclesiae being Henry’s finale has sparked fascinating discussions about how his story should end. Some want a heroic conclusion, others prefer a realistic, bittersweet ending that reflects medieval life’s hardships. This engagement level shows how invested players are in getting a proper sendoff for a character they’ve spent potentially hundreds of hours with.
The Broader Gaming Industry Context
Kingdom Come’s approach to long-term character development through DLC stands out in an industry often criticized for rushed conclusions and abandoned storylines. When I compare it to other gaming experiences that have stood the test of time, Warhorse Studios’ commitment to narrative coherence across nearly a decade is remarkable.
The motion capture advancements in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 also reflect broader industry trends toward performance capture as standard practice. We’ve moved from the uncanny valley of early mocap to performances that rival film and television. McKay’s work as Henry joins Troy Baker’s Joel, Ashley Johnson’s Ellie, and Roger Clark’s Arthur Morgan as defining performances that elevate gaming as a narrative medium.
From a business model perspective, Kingdom Come’s DLC strategy offers lessons for other developers. Rather than numerous small content packs, Warhorse Studios is delivering substantial, narrative-driven expansions that feel essential rather than supplementary. This approach maintains player engagement while respecting their time and investment, a strategy that works exceptionally well in games that prioritize player agency and meaningful choices.
The franchise’s success also proves there’s a market for historically grounded games without fantasy elements. While dragons and magic dominate the RPG landscape, Kingdom Come’s commitment to realism has carved out a unique niche. This success might inspire other developers to explore historical settings with similar dedication to authenticity.
Free Updates and Long-term Support
Beyond the paid DLC, Warhorse Studios’ commitment to free updates throughout 2025 demonstrates their dedication to the community. The planned additions – barber shops, horse racing, and hardcore mode – might seem minor individually, but collectively they significantly enhance replayability.
The barber shop functionality addresses a common request I’ve seen since the first game’s launch. Character customization options were limited in the original, and while Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 improved this, the ability to change Henry’s appearance post-creation adds welcome flexibility. It’s a small quality-of-life improvement that shows the developers are listening to feedback.
Horse racing introduces a new gameplay loop that fits perfectly with the medieval setting. Having spent hours perfecting my riding skills in both games, competitive racing adds purpose to that mastery. Based on developer descriptions, this isn’t just simple races but a full system with breeding, training, and regional championships.
The hardcore mode particularly excites me as someone who found even the standard difficulty appropriately challenging. Removing UI elements, adding survival mechanics, and increasing combat difficulty will create an experience closer to actual medieval life. For players seeking the ultimate immersion, this mode could define the definitive Kingdom Come experience.
These free updates, combined with the substantial DLC, mean Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 will evolve significantly throughout 2025. This post-launch support model ensures the game remains fresh and engaging long after the initial playthrough, building community and maintaining relevance in a crowded market.
What Tom McKay’s Farewell Really Means
After analyzing every angle of this story, I believe Tom McKay’s farewell represents a planned transition rather than an abrupt ending. The completion of his recording work, timed with two major DLCs still to come, suggests Warhorse Studios has meticulously planned Henry’s complete arc from beginning to end.
This isn’t just about one actor finishing a role – it’s about a franchise reaching a narrative milestone. Henry’s story, which began with his parents’ murder and quest for vengeance, appears headed toward a conclusion that’s been nine years in the making. The fact that all dialogue is already recorded means this ending is locked in, carefully crafted, and hopefully satisfying.
McKay’s openness to returning tells me the door isn’t completely closed. Whether through cameos, flashbacks, or even a surprise continuation, Henry might not disappear entirely from the Kingdom Come universe. However, his time as the primary protagonist seems to be drawing to a close, making way for new stories in this rich historical setting.
The emotional weight of this farewell extends beyond just the gaming community. For McKay himself, this role has defined nearly a decade of his career. For Warhorse Studios, Henry and McKay’s performance have been instrumental in establishing their reputation as premium RPG developers. For players like myself, saying goodbye to Henry means parting with a character we’ve watched grow from boy to man.
Looking Forward: The Future of Medieval Gaming
Kingdom Come’s influence on medieval gaming cannot be overstated. When I look at upcoming historical games, many cite Kingdom Come as inspiration for their approach to realism and historical accuracy. The franchise has proven that players want more than fantasy escapism – they crave authentic historical experiences that educate while entertaining.
The success of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and its planned DLC will likely influence how other developers approach historical RPGs. The combination of narrative depth, technical excellence, and historical authenticity sets a new standard that others will need to match or exceed. This competition benefits players, driving innovation and quality across the genre.
For Warhorse Studios specifically, the conclusion of Henry’s story opens exciting possibilities. A Kingdom Come game set during the Hussite Wars could introduce early firearms, large-scale battles, and religious conflict while maintaining the series’ commitment to historical accuracy. Alternatively, exploring different regions or time periods could expand the franchise’s scope while preserving its core identity.
The motion capture technology developed for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 also positions Warhorse Studios as a technical leader. This expertise could be leveraged for future projects, whether continuing Kingdom Come or exploring entirely new IPs. The studio’s growth from Kickstarter startup to AAA developer is a success story that promises continued innovation.
Personal Reflections on Henry’s Journey
Having followed Henry’s story since that first traumatic day in Skalitz, I find myself surprisingly emotional about this transition. The character’s growth mirrors my own gaming journey over these years, from someone seeking simple revenge fantasy to appreciating complex narratives about identity, duty, and finding one’s place in the world.
What strikes me most is how Henry never became a typical video game hero. He remained fundamentally human – skilled but not superhuman, clever but not omniscient, brave but not fearless. This grounding in reality made his achievements feel earned rather than given, creating investment in his success that transcended typical player-character relationships.
The upcoming DLCs promise to explore different facets of Henry’s character. Legacy of the Forge examining his relationship with his father’s memory, while Mysteria Ecclesiae potentially offering spiritual resolution. These aren’t just content additions – they’re final chapters in a character study that’s been unfolding for nearly a decade.
As someone who’s recommended Kingdom Come to countless friends, explaining why Henry’s story matters has become easier over time. It’s not about the combat system or historical accuracy, though both are excellent. It’s about experiencing genuine character growth over an extended narrative, something rare in gaming where sequels often reset character development for accessibility.
The Complete Kingdom Come Experience in 2026
For new players discovering Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 in March 2026, you’re entering at a fascinating moment. The base game is complete, one DLC is already available, and two major expansions are on the horizon. This represents hundreds of hours of content, all featuring Tom McKay’s complete performance as Henry.
My recommendation is to experience everything in order – the base game, followed by the DLCs as they release. This isn’t just about following the story chronologically; it’s about experiencing Henry’s growth as McKay portrayed it. The subtle changes in his voice and mannerisms across the content reflect the actor’s own journey with the character.
For veterans like myself who’ve been with the series since 2018, these final DLCs represent a chance to say goodbye properly. We’ve invested hundreds of hours in Henry’s story, and seeing it through to the end feels important. The fact that it’s all been planned and recorded gives me confidence we’ll get the conclusion this character deserves.
The community aspects also peak during this period. Forums and Discord servers are more active than ever, with players sharing theories, discoveries, and memories. This collective experience of concluding Henry’s journey together adds a social dimension that enhances the personal narrative experience.
Final Thoughts: An End and a Beginning
Tom McKay’s completion of his Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 recording marks a watershed moment for the franchise. While it signals the likely end of Henry’s story as we know it, it also represents the maturation of Kingdom Come from ambitious indie project to established franchise with a bright future.
The two upcoming DLCs – Legacy of the Forge and Mysteria Ecclesiae – promise to deliver satisfying conclusions to narrative threads while potentially setting up future installments. With strong sales, critical acclaim, and a passionate community, Kingdom Come 3 seems inevitable, whether featuring Henry in a reduced role or introducing new protagonists to carry the historical RPG torch forward.
What impresses me most is how Warhorse Studios has handled this transition. Rather than dragging out Henry’s story indefinitely or cutting it short, they appear to have crafted a complete arc with a definitive ending. This narrative integrity, combined with technical excellence and historical authenticity, ensures Kingdom Come’s legacy regardless of what comes next.
For those of us who’ve walked every mile in Henry’s boots, Tom McKay’s farewell is bittersweet. We’re losing a beloved protagonist but gaining the satisfaction of a complete story – something increasingly rare in gaming. As I prepare for the upcoming DLCs, I’m ready to see Henry’s journey conclude while remaining excited for whatever Warhorse Studios plans next in their medieval world.
The future of Kingdom Come may already be decided, as the title suggests, but that future looks bright. Whether continuing with new characters, exploring different time periods, or even revisiting an older Henry, the franchise has established itself as the definitive medieval RPG experience. Tom McKay’s exceptional work as Henry has been instrumental in this success, and his contribution to gaming history is assured.
As we approach the release of Legacy of the Forge on September 9, 2025, and look forward to Mysteria Ecclesiae this winter, we’re not just anticipating new content – we’re preparing to bid farewell to one of gaming’s most authentic and beloved most beloved video game characters. Henry of Skalitz’s journey from blacksmith’s son to seasoned warrior has been extraordinary, and I’m grateful to have experienced every moment of it.