Joanna Novak, the historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, provided a deep dive into her experiences working on both games in the series. She candidly discussed the intricacies and compromises that come with blending history with compelling gameplay.
Novak pointed out that the narrative, which follows protagonist Hendrich, diverges significantly from the probable life of a blacksmith's son during the depicted period. She emphasized that the storyline is more akin to legend and folklore than a factual recounting of history, rating the plot's realism at a mere "1 out of 10."
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According to Novak, the developers at Warhorse Studios opted for a rags-to-riches arc to captivate players. This approach, where the hero ascends through societal ranks, mingles with historical figures, and ultimately achieves greatness, is far more engaging than depicting the routine life of a peasant.
In terms of world-building and the environment within Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Warhorse Studios strove for authenticity. However, Novak acknowledged that time, budget constraints, and the need to cater to modern gameplay expectations led to some deviations from historical accuracy. While certain adjustments were made to enhance player enjoyment, Novak appreciated the incorporation of numerous period-appropriate details.
Despite these efforts, Novak cautioned against labeling the game as realistic or historically accurate. She stressed that while the game includes many authentic elements, the overall experience remains a blend of historical inspiration and creative storytelling designed to entertain.