Joanna Novak, the historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, provided an in-depth look into her contributions to both games in the series. She discussed the intricate balance between historical accuracy and the need for engaging gameplay, highlighting the challenges and compromises that come with this process.
Novak pointed out that the narrative of the game, which follows the protagonist Hendrich, diverges significantly from what life would have been like for a real blacksmith's son during that historical period. She emphasized that the storyline leans more into the realm of legend and folklore, rather than adhering strictly to historical facts. In her assessment, she rates the plot's realism at a mere "1 out of 10," underscoring the developers' deliberate choices to cater to player preferences.
Image: steamcommunity.com
According to Novak, players are captivated by the classic rags-to-riches tales where the protagonist ascends through societal ranks, engages with historical figures, and ultimately achieves greatness. These elements, while not historically accurate, are what draw players into the game, rather than the more mundane life of a peasant.
When it comes to the world-building and environment in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Warhorse Studios aimed to capture authenticity. However, Novak admits that the studio faced limitations due to time, budget constraints, and the necessity to meet modern gameplay expectations. Some historical details were adjusted to ensure that the game remained enjoyable and did not overwhelm players with too much realism.
Despite these compromises, Novak is satisfied with the inclusion of many period-appropriate details throughout the game. However, she cautions against labeling Kingdom Come: Deliverance as entirely realistic or historically accurate, as such a description would be misleading to potential players.
