Joanna Novak, historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, offered valuable insights into her contributions to both games, detailing the inherent challenges and necessary compromises.
Novak emphasized the significant divergence between the game's narrative—focused on protagonist Henry—and the actual lived experiences of a 15th-century blacksmith's son. The storyline, she explained, prioritizes legend and folklore over strict historical accuracy, earning a "1 out of 10" realism rating from her perspective. This creative license, she acknowledged, caters to player expectations for compelling narratives featuring rags-to-riches arcs, interactions with historical figures, and heroic achievements, rather than the often mundane realities of peasant life.
Image: steamcommunity.com
In crafting the game world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Warhorse Studios strived for historical authenticity, though limitations in time, budget, and gameplay considerations prevented perfect replication. Certain adjustments were made to meet modern player expectations, ensuring historical accuracy didn't overshadow the overall gaming experience.
While acknowledging these compromises, Novak expressed satisfaction with the numerous period-accurate details incorporated into the game. She stressed, however, the importance of avoiding misleading claims of complete realism or historical accuracy.