"Kingdom Come Deliverance 2's Historical Accuracy Rated 1/10 by Consultant"

Joanna Novak, the historical consultant for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, provided a deep dive into her role in shaping both games in the series. She openly discussed the challenges and compromises that come with blending history and entertainment in video game development.

Novak pointed out that the game’s narrative, which revolves around the protagonist Hendrich, takes significant liberties with historical accuracy. She noted that the life depicted for Hendrich—a blacksmith's son—aspirational and heroic, starkly contrasts with the likely realities of medieval life for someone of his social standing.

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According to Novak, the storyline leans heavily into the realm of legend and folklore rather than historical fact. She humorously rated the plot's realism at a mere "1 out of 10," explaining that the developers chose this path for good reason. Players are naturally drawn to compelling, rags-to-riches tales where the protagonist ascends through societal ranks, mingles with notable historical figures, and ultimately achieves greatness. These elements are far more engaging than a portrayal of the everyday struggles of a medieval peasant.

In terms of world-building and environment, Warhorse Studios aimed to strike a balance between authenticity and gameplay enjoyment. Despite their efforts, Novak admits that the game falls short of complete historical accuracy due to the constraints of time, budget, and the need to cater to modern player expectations. Certain historical accuracies were sacrificed to ensure the game remained enjoyable and accessible to players.

Nevertheless, Novak expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of numerous period-appropriate details throughout the game. She cautions, however, against labeling Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 as entirely realistic or historically accurate, as such a description would be a stretch from the truth.