Joanna Novak, historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, offered insights into her role across both series entries, detailing the challenges and trade-offs faced.
She emphasized that the game’s storyline, focused on protagonist Hendrich, diverges significantly from the lived experience of a blacksmith’s son in that period.
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Novak noted the narrative prioritizes mythic and folkloric elements over historical accuracy. She assigns the plot a realism score of "1 out of 10," while recognizing the developers’ intent. Players prefer epic tales of a hero’s ascent, engaging with notable figures and achieving grandeur, rather than the ordinary existence of a peasant.
In terms of world-building and setting in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Warhorse Studios strove for authenticity but faced limitations due to time, budget, and gameplay needs. Certain compromises were made to meet modern player expectations, balancing historical fidelity with engaging play.
Despite these challenges, Novak appreciates the inclusion of numerous era-specific details. Still, she cautions against labeling the game as historically accurate or realistic.