"Kingdom Come Deliverance 2's Historical Consultant Gives Storyline a 1/10 for Realism"

Joanna Novak, the historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, recently provided an in-depth look into her contributions to both games in the series, shedding light on the challenges and necessary compromises involved in their development. She pointed out that the narrative centered around the protagonist, Hendrich, diverges significantly from what life might have realistically been like for a blacksmith's son in that historical period.

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Novak emphasized that the storyline tends to embrace the realm of legend and folklore rather than adhering strictly to historical facts. She humorously rates the plot's realism at "1 out of 10 on the realism scale," acknowledging the deliberate choices made by the developers. The game's appeal lies in its classic rags-to-riches narrative, where the hero ascends through societal ranks, mingles with historical figures, and achieves remarkable feats—elements that captivate players far more than the mundane daily life of a medieval peasant.

In terms of world-building and environment, Warhorse Studios strived for authenticity in Kingdom Come: Deliverance. However, Novak admits that they couldn't achieve perfection due to time and budget constraints, as well as the need to cater to modern player expectations. Certain adjustments were made to ensure that historical accuracy did not compromise the fun and engagement of the gameplay.

Despite these compromises, Novak remains satisfied with the inclusion of numerous period-appropriate details throughout the game. Nevertheless, she cautions against labeling Kingdom Come: Deliverance as a realistic or historically accurate portrayal, highlighting the importance of understanding the balance between historical authenticity and the need for an enjoyable gaming experience.