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

Joanna Novak, the historical consultant for *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, provided an in-depth look into her contributions to both games in the series, shedding light on the complexities and concessions that come with blending history and entertainment. She noted that the narrative, which follows the journey of protagonist Hendrich, diverges significantly from the probable life experiences of a blacksmith's son in that period.

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Novak emphasized that the storyline leans more towards the realm of legend and folklore rather than historical fact. She assigns it a mere "1 out of 10 on the realism scale," explaining the rationale behind the developers' creative decisions. The allure of a rags-to-riches narrative, where the protagonist ascends through societal ranks, engages with historical figures, and attains greatness, captivates players far more than the everyday struggles of a peasant.

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

Despite these compromises, Novak is satisfied with the integration of numerous historically accurate details into the game. Nevertheless, she cautions against labeling *Kingdom Come: Deliverance* as realistic or historically accurate, as this would misrepresent the game's true nature.