Joanna Novak, the historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, provided a deep dive into her experience working on both games in the series, shedding light on the intricacies and compromises inherent in historical game development. She pointed out that the narrative, focusing on the protagonist Hendrich, significantly deviates from the authentic experiences of a blacksmith's son during the depicted time period.
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Novak explained that the storyline leans heavily into the realm of legend and folklore, rather than adhering strictly to historical facts. She rated the plot's realism at a mere "1 out of 10," but understands the developers' decisions. The appeal of a rags-to-riches tale, where the hero ascends through societal ranks, engages with historical figures, and achieves remarkable feats, captivates players far more than the routine life of a peasant would.
Regarding the world-building and environment in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Warhorse Studios strived for authenticity, yet faced limitations due to time, budget, and the necessity to cater to modern gameplay expectations. Compromises were made to ensure that historical accuracy did not compromise player enjoyment.
Despite these challenges, Novak expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of numerous details appropriate to the era. However, she cautions against labeling the game as realistic or historically accurate, as this would misrepresent the creative liberties taken to enhance the gaming experience.
