Joanna Novak, the historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, provided a detailed look into her contributions to both games in the series, shedding light on the complexities and necessary compromises of historical game development.
She pointed out that the game's narrative, focusing on the protagonist Hendrich, diverges significantly from the historical reality a blacksmith's son might have faced during that period.
Image: steamcommunity.com
Novak explained that the storyline tends more towards the realm of legend and folklore than strict historical truth. She rated the plot's realism as "1 out of 10," understanding the developers' motivations behind these creative choices. Players are naturally attracted to epic tales of rags-to-riches, where the hero ascends through societal ranks, mingles with historical icons, and achieves remarkable feats—rather than depicting the everyday life of a medieval peasant.
In terms of the game's world-building and environment, Warhorse Studios strived for authenticity in Kingdom Come: Deliverance. However, due to limitations in time, budget, and the necessity to cater to modern gameplay expectations, they couldn't achieve perfect historical accuracy. Some adjustments were made to ensure that the game remained engaging and fun, even if it meant deviating from historical precision.
Despite these compromises, Novak expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of numerous period-accurate details. However, she cautions against labeling the game as entirely realistic or historically accurate, as this would be misleading to players.
