Joanna Novak, historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, offered valuable insights into her contributions to both games, discussing the inherent challenges and necessary compromises.
Novak emphasized that the game's narrative, focusing on protagonist Henry, significantly deviates from the actual experiences of a 15th-century blacksmith's son. The storyline, she explained, prioritizes legend and folklore over strict historical accuracy. She assigned the plot a "1 out of 10" realism rating, acknowledging the developers' deliberate choices. The appeal of a "rags-to-riches" narrative, featuring heroic feats and interactions with historical figures, outweighs the less engaging reality of peasant life for most players.
In crafting the world and environment of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Warhorse Studios strived for historical authenticity, but limitations in time, budget, and gameplay considerations prevented perfect replication. Certain adjustments were made to meet modern player expectations, ensuring historical accuracy didn't overshadow the overall gaming experience.
Despite these compromises, Novak expressed satisfaction with the numerous period-accurate details incorporated into the game. However, she cautions against labeling the game as entirely realistic or historically accurate, emphasizing the inherent creative liberties taken in its development.
Image: steamcommunity.com
