One of the most debated open-world RPGs, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, came to life because its creator was “sick” of the lack of authentic historical games. The title became a massive hit, and director Daniel Vavra is convinced that its honest depiction of medieval history was what captured audiences.

Few European studios have managed to emerge as strongly as Warhorse Studios, which defied player expectations and controversy alike. Released in 2018, Kingdom Come: Deliverance achieved success against the odds, and its creator, Daniel Vavra, remembers this milestone as a “coup de grace.” Driven by necessity and frustration over the lack of historical games, he developed this unique RPG as a breath of fresh air in the gaming industry.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance Takes a Different Approach to Medieval History

Unlike many medieval games that borrow superficial or fantastical elements, Kingdom Come: Deliverance opts for a realistic portrayal of 15th-century Bohemia. Vavra states that his “anger” at the lack of genuinely historical video games was the spark for this project.

In a recent interview with PCGamer (thanks to GamesRadar), the Czech developer opened up about the industry’s initial resistance to a game without mythical creatures or fantasy-based medieval epicness. For many, the idea of a game with no monsters or supernatural elements was unusual. “There are no monsters in Call of Duty either,” Vavra noted, addressing the conservative view toward historical games in the industry.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance Thrived Despite Mixed Reception

Even so, Vavra remained confident there was a market for a realistic gaming experience, and the success of the game proved him right. “There’s no reason why it shouldn’t be successful because historical elements are very popular in movies, books, and beyond,” he remarked about a project that took no less than five years to complete.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance received wide acclaim upon release, earning awards and nominations industry-wide. In February this year, Warhorse Studios announced that the game had sold over six million copies since its 2018 debut. This success reaffirms Vavra’s belief and highlights a demand for historically grounded experiences that avoid fantasy clichés, setting a new standard for future games of this type.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Promises “More Polished” Gameplay

With Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 set for release early next year, Vavra and Warhorse Studios aim to expand this vision even further. The sequel promises a “more complex and polished” experience, staying true to historical accuracy while enhancing gameplay. Vavra hopes to demonstrate that narrative-driven experiences in gaming can prosper, presenting an alternative to the genre’s fantasy-dominated landscape.

Source: 3djuegos