Joanna Novak, the historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, provided valuable insights into her role across both games in the series, shedding light on the challenges and compromises that shaped the final product.
She noted that the game's narrative, which follows the protagonist Hendrich, significantly deviates from the probable life experiences of a blacksmith's son in that historical period.
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Novak emphasized that the story embraces the realm of legend and folklore rather than adhering strictly to historical facts. She gave the plot a realism rating of "1 out of 10," explaining the developers' rationale for these creative choices. The allure of a rags-to-riches saga, where the hero ascends through social strata, encounters historical figures, and attains legendary status, captivates players more than a depiction of a peasant's everyday life.
Regarding the world-building and environment in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Warhorse Studios strived for authenticity but acknowledged falling short of perfection due to limitations in time, budget, and the need to cater to modern gameplay expectations. Certain adjustments were made to ensure that historical accuracy did not compromise player enjoyment.
Despite these compromises, Novak expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of numerous period-appropriate details. However, she cautioned against labeling the game as realistic or historically accurate, as doing so would misrepresent its true nature.
