New Kingdom Come trademark filings mention 'online' virtual worlds—but we shouldn't assume Warhorse is making a multiplayer game just yet
A videogame IP attorney says the filings are "far from a promise that the next Kingdom Come videogame will feature multiplayer."
Last month, we reported on Warhorse Studios' European trademark filings for Kingdom Come Salvation, which hinted at what the third "Kingdom Come" game could be. The filing mentioned "services for matching users with computer games," sparking speculation that the upcoming title might include online functionality. However, this week, new trademark filings have surfaced in the US (via Phrasemaker), with more detailed language about online services.
While it's tempting to interpret this as confirmation that Kingdom Come Salvation will be a multiplayer game, we spoke with a video game IP expert who advised against such assumptions. Both the European and American filings classify Kingdom Come Salvation under IC 041, a classification that encompasses "services having the basic aim of the entertainment, amusement, or recreation of people," including online gaming services.
The European filing is vague, referring to "online interactive entertainment" and "electronic games services provided by means of a global communication network." The US filing uses more specific terms, including "online computer games featuring virtual environments in which users can interact for entertainment purposes" and "online computer games featuring virtual worlds in which users can interact for entertainment purposes."
Despite Warhorse's previous filings not including IC 041 classifications, the inclusion of these broader terms in the Salvation filings does not necessarily guarantee multiplayer features. According to videogame IP lawyer Kirk Sigmon, this is a common practice among IP attorneys to ensure their clients have broad protection for their products.
Sigmon pointed out that a singleplayer game can also be registered under IC 041, as seen with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game with no multiplayer components. He explained that registering a game as "online" could provide protection for various aspects of the game, such as distribution via platforms like Steam or downloadable DLC.
While the trademark filing for Kingdom Come Salvation could suggest the game might have some online elements, Sigmon believes we shouldn't expect multiplayer features unless an official announcement is made.
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