Joanna Novak, the historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, offered valuable perspectives on her contributions to both game installments, addressing 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.
Image: steamcommunity.com
The storyline, she explained, prioritizes legendary elements and folklore over strict historical accuracy, earning a "1 out of 10" realism rating from her perspective. This creative license, Novak acknowledged, caters to player expectations for compelling narratives featuring rags-to-riches arcs, interactions with historical figures, and heroic achievements—a departure from the often mundane realities of peasant life.
In crafting the game world and environment for Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Warhorse Studios strived for authenticity, but limitations in time, budget, and gameplay mechanics necessitated compromises. Certain adjustments were made to meet modern player expectations, ensuring historical accuracy didn't overshadow the overall gaming experience.
While acknowledging these compromises, Novak expressed satisfaction with the numerous period-accurate details incorporated into the game. She stressed, however, the importance of avoiding misleading claims of complete realism or historical accuracy.
