Kingdom Come: Deliverance – Fact or Fiction? Unraveling the History Behind the Game
Is Kingdom Come: Deliverance based on real life? Absolutely! While the game features a fictional protagonist and narrative, it’s deeply rooted in the real history of the Kingdom of Bohemia in 1403. The larger historical context, key events like the sack of Skalitz, and the existence of many historical figures are accurately portrayed, making it a unique and immersive historical RPG.
Diving Deep into Bohemian History
Kingdom Come: Deliverance (KCD) transports players to a meticulously recreated 15th-century Bohemia, a region rich in culture, silver, and sprawling castles. The game’s narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a civil war within the Holy Roman Empire, a turbulent period marked by political intrigue and power struggles.
The game begins following the death of King Charles IV, leading to the ascension of his son, Wenceslas IV, as the new King of Bohemia. This sets the stage for the game’s central conflict, as Wenceslas’ reign is challenged by his half-brother, Sigismund, who eventually imprisons him.
Warhorse Studios, the game’s developer, is based in Prague, allowing them to draw upon local expertise and resources to ensure the authenticity of the game’s setting. They’ve clearly gone to great lengths to capture the architecture, clothing, customs, and even the language of the time, providing players with a truly immersive historical experience. While Henry, the main character, is fictional, his journey is woven into the real events unfolding in Bohemia.
The Accuracy of Locations and Characters
Several key locations featured in Kingdom Come: Deliverance are based on real places in the Czech Republic:
- Rattay (Rataje nad Sázavou): A real market town that serves as one of the largest and most important settlements in the game.
- Skalitz (Skalice): A village that suffered a devastating raid in the game, mirroring historical accounts of such events.
- Talmberg: Also a real place
- Sasau (Sázava Monastery): A real-life monastery plays a prominent role in the game.
- Ledetchko
- Merjohed
- Vranik
Moreover, several characters in the game are inspired by historical figures, adding another layer of authenticity. Sir Radzig Kobyla, for instance, is based on Racek Kobyla ze Dvorce a Dvojic, a knight in the service of King Wenceslas IV. These characters are intricately woven into the narrative, creating a sense of realism and historical accuracy.
Fictional Elements and Narrative Liberties
While the game strives for historical accuracy, it also incorporates fictional elements to create a compelling and engaging narrative. Henry, the protagonist, is a fictional character whose personal story is interwoven with the historical events unfolding around him. The quests and side stories are also largely fictional, designed to provide players with agency and choice within the game world.
The developers have taken liberties with certain historical details to enhance the gameplay experience. However, they have generally remained true to the spirit and atmosphere of the period, ensuring that the game feels authentic and believable.
The Value of History in Video Games
Kingdom Come: Deliverance serves as a powerful example of how video games can be used to explore and engage with history. By immersing players in a meticulously recreated historical setting, the game provides a unique opportunity to learn about the past in an interactive and engaging way. Educational games like this are an interesting topic within the Games Learning Society and can offer important lessons on history. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
The game’s attention to detail and commitment to historical accuracy have been praised by historians and educators, who recognize its potential to spark interest in history and inspire further learning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What cities in Kingdom Come: Deliverance are in real life?
Several cities and locations in Kingdom Come: Deliverance are based on real places in the Czech Republic, including Rattay (Rataje nad Sázavou), Skalitz (Skalice), Talmberg, Sasau Monastery (Sázava Monastery), Ledetchko, Merhojed and Vranik.
2. What is the historical background of Kingdom Come: Deliverance?
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is set in the Kingdom of Bohemia in 1403, during a period of political instability following the death of King Charles IV and the ascension of his son, Wenceslas IV. The game’s narrative revolves around the civil war within the Holy Roman Empire and the power struggles between Wenceslas and his half-brother, Sigismund.
3. How much of KCD is true?
The larger historical context of Kingdom Come: Deliverance is accurate, including the sack of Skalitz and the existence of several historical figures. However, the protagonist, Henry, is a fictional character, and the quests and side stories are also largely fictional.
4. Was Skalitz a real place?
Yes, Skalitz (Skalice) is based on a real village in the Czech Republic. While the specific events depicted in the game may not be entirely accurate, the village serves as a representation of the historical realities of the time.
5. Was Sir Radzig Kobyla a real person?
Yes, Sir Radzig Kobyla is inspired by a historical figure named Racek Kobyla ze Dvorce a Dvojic, a knight in the service of King Wenceslas IV.
6. Is Henry of Skalitz real?
No, Henry is a fictional character created for the game’s narrative. His story is designed to immerse players in the historical events unfolding in Bohemia.
7. Will there be a KCD 2?
While there have been rumors and speculation about a potential sequel to Kingdom Come: Deliverance, there has been no official announcement from Warhorse Studios regarding a KCD 2 release date.
8. What year is KCD set?
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is set in the year 1403.
9. How realistic is KCD combat?
KCD’s combat system is complex and challenging, aiming to be more realistic than other RPGs. It incorporates elements inspired by historical European martial arts (HEMA), but it’s not a perfect representation of these techniques.
10. Why is Kingdom Come: Deliverance so addictive?
Kingdom Come: Deliverance can be addictive due to its immersive open world, challenging combat system, engaging narrative, and the sense of progression as players develop their character and skills.
11. Is there NSFW in Kingdom Come: Deliverance?
Yes, Kingdom Come: Deliverance contains nudity and suggestive content. Parents should be aware of this before allowing children to play the game.
12. Who sacked Skalitz?
Skalitz was sacked by the army of King Sigismund.
13. What is the largest city in Kingdom Come: Deliverance?
Rattay is the largest city on the map of Kingdom Come: Deliverance.
14. Can you become king in Kingdom Come: Deliverance?
No, you cannot become king in Kingdom Come: Deliverance. You play as Henry, a fictional character whose story is interwoven with the real historical events of the time.
15. Is Henry Radzig’s son?
Yes, it is revealed that Henry is Radzig’s illegitimate son.