Joanna Novak, the historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, provided a deep dive into her contributions to both games in the series, shedding light on the intricacies and compromises inherent in historical game development. She pointed out that the narrative, which revolves around the protagonist Hendrich, diverges significantly from the probable life experiences of a blacksmith's son in that historical period.

Image: steamcommunity.com

Novak emphasized that the storyline leans heavily into the realm of legend and folklore, rather than adhering strictly to historical facts. She rated the plot's realism at a mere "1 out of 10," explaining the rationale behind the developers' creative decisions. The allure of a rags-to-riches tale, where the protagonist ascends through societal ranks, mingles with historical figures, and ultimately achieves greatness, captivates players far more than a depiction of a peasant's everyday life.

In terms of world-building and environment, Warhorse Studios strived for authenticity in Kingdom Come: Deliverance. However, Novak noted that they couldn't achieve perfection due to constraints such as time, budget, and the need to cater to modern gaming expectations. Certain modifications were necessary to ensure that historical accuracy did not compromise player enjoyment.

Despite these challenges, Novak expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of numerous period-appropriate details. Nevertheless, she cautioned against labeling the game as realistic or historically accurate, as such a description would be misleading.