Kingdom Come Deliverance 2: Historian Slams Story's Realism

Joanna Novak, historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, offers fascinating insights into her work on both games, revealing the intricate balance between historical accuracy and engaging gameplay. She emphasizes that the narrative, following protagonist Henry, significantly deviates from the realities of a 15th-century blacksmith's son's life.

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Novak candidly rates the plot's historical accuracy a "1 out of 10," explaining the deliberate choices made by the developers. The appeal of a "rags-to-riches" narrative, featuring heroic exploits and interactions with historical figures, outweighs the desire for a strictly realistic portrayal of peasant life. This prioritization of a compelling story over strict historical accuracy is a key element of the game's design.

In crafting the world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Warhorse Studios strived for authenticity. However, limitations in time, budget, and the need to create an enjoyable gameplay experience necessitated compromises. Certain adjustments were made to better align with modern player expectations, ensuring historical accuracy didn't overshadow the overall player experience.

While acknowledging these compromises, Novak expresses satisfaction with the numerous period-accurate details incorporated into the game. She cautions, however, against labeling the game as purely realistic or historically accurate, emphasizing the creative liberties taken to create an engaging narrative.