Joanna Novak, the historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, recently shared her experiences working on both games in the series, discussing the challenges and compromises that come with blending history and entertainment. She emphasized that the narrative of the game, which follows protagonist Hendrich, diverges significantly from the probable experiences of a blacksmith's son in that historical period.
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Novak pointed out that the storyline leans more towards legend and folklore than historical accuracy, rating the plot at a mere "1 out of 10 on the realism scale." She explained that this choice was driven by what captivates players—rags-to-riches tales where the hero ascends through societal ranks, interacts with historical figures, and achieves extraordinary feats, as opposed to depicting the day-to-day life of a medieval peasant.
Regarding the world-building and environment in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Warhorse Studios strove for authenticity but faced limitations due to time, budget constraints, and the need to cater to modern gameplay expectations. Some historical details were adjusted to enhance player enjoyment without sacrificing the game's immersive experience.
Despite these compromises, Novak expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of many period-specific details. However, she cautions that labeling the game as realistic or historically accurate would be an overstatement. The game's appeal lies in its balance between historical elements and engaging gameplay, rather than a strictly factual representation of the era.