Joanna Novak, the historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, has provided a fascinating look into her role across both games in the series, discussing the intricacies and necessary compromises of her work.
She pointed out that the narrative of the game, which follows the protagonist Hendrich, diverges significantly from the likely experiences of a blacksmith's son in that historical period.
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Novak emphasized that the story embraces more of a legendary and folkloric approach rather than adhering strictly to historical facts. She rated the plot's realism at a mere "1 out of 10," recognizing the developers' intentions to cater to players' preferences for epic, rags-to-riches tales. These narratives often feature a hero ascending through societal ranks, engaging with notable historical figures, and accomplishing great feats, rather than depicting the everyday life of a peasant.
In terms of world-building and environment, Warhorse Studios strived for authenticity in Kingdom Come: Deliverance. However, Novak admits that achieving perfect historical accuracy was hindered by time and budget limitations, as well as the need to meet modern gaming expectations. Certain elements were adjusted to ensure that the game remained enjoyable, even if it meant deviating from strict historical accuracy.
Despite these compromises, Novak is satisfied with the inclusion of numerous period-appropriate details throughout the game. However, she cautions against labeling Kingdom Come: Deliverance as realistic or historically accurate, as such descriptions would be misleading.
