"Kingdom Come Deliverance 2's Storyline Scores a Mere 1 Out of 10 for Historical Realism"

Joanna Novak, the historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, recently provided a deep dive into her role in shaping both games within the series. She discussed the inherent challenges and necessary compromises that come with blending historical authenticity with engaging gameplay.

Novak pointed out that the narrative of the game, which follows protagonist Hendrich, diverges significantly from the likely life of a blacksmith's son in that historical period. She rates the storyline's realism at a mere "1 out of 10," explaining that the developers chose to craft a tale more aligned with legend and folklore than with historical facts. This decision caters to players' preferences for epic, rags-to-riches journeys where the hero interacts with historical figures and ascends to greatness, rather than depicting the everyday struggles of a medieval peasant.

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In terms of world-building and environment, Warhorse Studios strived for authenticity in Kingdom Come: Deliverance. However, Novak acknowledges that the game falls short of perfect historical accuracy due to limitations in time and budget, as well as the need to meet modern player expectations. Certain adjustments were made to ensure that historical details did not compromise the game's enjoyment.

Despite these compromises, Novak is satisfied with the inclusion of many period-appropriate details throughout the game. Yet, she cautions against labeling Kingdom Come: Deliverance as realistic or historically accurate, as such a description would be misleading to players seeking a true historical experience.