Joanna Novak, the historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, provided a fascinating glimpse into her work on both games in the series, shedding light on the complexities and compromises inherent in historical game development.
She pointed out that the game's narrative, which follows protagonist Hendrich, significantly deviates from the authentic experiences of a blacksmith's son during that historical period.
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Novak emphasized that the storyline leans more towards the realm of legend and folklore rather than historical accuracy. She rated the plot's realism at a mere "1 out of 10," explaining the rationale behind the developers' creative decisions. The allure of rags-to-riches tales, where the protagonist ascends through societal ranks, mingles with historical figures, and achieves extraordinary feats, captivates players far more than the depiction of a peasant's everyday life.
Regarding the world-building and environment in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Warhorse Studios strived for authenticity but acknowledged falling short of perfection due to constraints in time, budget, and the need to cater to modern gameplay expectations. Certain adjustments were necessary to ensure that historical accuracy did not compromise player enjoyment.
Despite these challenges, Novak expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of numerous period-appropriate details. However, she cautioned against labeling the game as realistic or historically accurate, as such a description would be misleading.
