Joanna Novak, the historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, recently shared her experiences working on both games in the series, shedding light on the challenges and compromises inherent in historical game development. She pointed out that the narrative, which follows the protagonist Hendrich, diverges significantly from the likely 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 that the developers made these choices to cater to player preferences. Audiences are often more captivated by epic tales of a hero's rise from humble beginnings to greatness, interacting with historical figures along the way, rather than the everyday life of a peasant.
In terms of world-building and environment, Warhorse Studios strived for authenticity in Kingdom Come: Deliverance. However, Novak noted that they faced limitations due to time, budget constraints, and the need to balance historical accuracy with engaging gameplay. Some modifications were necessary to meet modern player expectations, ensuring that the game remained enjoyable without being bogged down by historical minutiae.
Despite these compromises, Novak expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of numerous period-appropriate details. Nevertheless, she cautioned against labeling the game as realistic or historically accurate, as this would misrepresent the creative liberties taken to enhance the gaming experience.