Warhorse Studios has filed new trademarks for 'Kingdom Come Salvation,' the expected title for the next installment in the Kingdom Come series. The filings, which appeared in both European and US trademark offices, include classifications that have sparked speculation about potential online functionality for the upcoming game.
Specifically, the trademarks have been registered under IC 041, a classification used by the World Intellectual Property Organization for services related to entertainment, amusement, and recreation, including online gaming. The US filing elaborates on this, referencing "Providing online computer games featuring virtual environments in which users can interact for entertainment purposes" and "Providing online computer games featuring virtual worlds in which users can interact for entertainment purposes." These specific descriptions are a departure from previous Kingdom Come trademark filings, which did not include IC 041 classifications.
However, videogame intellectual property experts caution that these filings are not definitive proof of a multiplayer component. According to IP lawyer Kirk Sigmon, attorneys often file trademarks across a broad spectrum of potential uses to ensure comprehensive coverage. He explained that games that are primarily single-player can still be registered under IC 041.
Sigmon provided the example of 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,' a game confirmed to be single-player, which also features an IC 041 classification with similar language regarding virtual worlds and user interaction. He noted that registering a game under broader terms, such as "online video game," can offer flexibility, potentially covering distribution methods like Steam or future downloadable content, or leaving room for the game's scope to expand later.
While the 'Kingdom Come Salvation' filings may suggest some form of online integration in the broadest sense, Sigmon stressed that players should not anticipate multiplayer features unless Warhorse Studios makes an official announcement. The current trademark information provides a wide berth for how the game might utilize online services, rather than a concrete commitment to a multiplayer experience.