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 deviates from the realities of a 15th-century blacksmith's son's life.
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Novak candidly assesses the plot's historical accuracy as a mere "1 out of 10," explaining the creative choices behind this divergence. She notes the inherent appeal of "rags-to-riches" narratives, where players crave heroic journeys, interactions with historical figures, and grand achievements—a far cry from the often mundane realities of peasant life.
In crafting the world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Warhorse Studios strived for authenticity, but acknowledged compromises due to time, budget, and the need to maintain engaging gameplay. Certain adjustments were made to meet modern player expectations, ensuring historical accuracy didn't overshadow enjoyment.
While Novak expresses satisfaction with the numerous period-appropriate details included in the game, she cautions against labeling it entirely realistic or historically accurate. The game, she clarifies, prioritizes a compelling narrative experience over strict adherence to historical fact.
