Joanna Novak, historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, offers fascinating insights into her work on both games, revealing the delicate balance between historical accuracy and engaging gameplay. She emphasizes that the narrative, focusing on protagonist Henry, significantly departs 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 developers' creative choices. The appeal of a "rags-to-riches" hero interacting with historical figures and achieving greatness outweighs the less exciting reality of peasant life, a choice that prioritizes player engagement.
In crafting the world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Warhorse Studios strived for authenticity, but compromises were necessary due to time, budget, and gameplay considerations. Certain adjustments were made to meet modern player expectations, preventing historical accuracy from overshadowing enjoyment.
While pleased with the many period-accurate details included, Novak cautions against labeling the game as entirely realistic or historically accurate. The game prioritizes a compelling narrative over strict adherence to historical fact.