Authenticity - What is important to you?

Story & Setting
#1

Dear Community,
I am currently writing a science paper on historical authenticity in computer games with KCD as an example. In order to get some direct input of some actual players, I have prepared a list of questions regarding authenticity in the game, both historically and in general. My main questions are: What makes a game authentic for you and how important is each of these aspects. Is it important to you to have realistic game elements, even if these might affect the fun of the gameplay? Which aspect might be less influential when it comes to authenticity? You can just go through my list and use it like a checkmark list or tell me in your own words, it is up to you :slight_smile: So let me know, what is of high value to you when it comes to authenticity in KCD?

  • Should all important characters be historical persons with the correct name, age and standing?
  • Should places, armor, cloths and all esthetic elements in general be historically accurate and look exactly like they did?
  • Should the dates of events exactly match historical sources?
  • How important is the social development of the character?
  • Would you like to create your own character instead of playing a set role?
  • Are features like fatigue or food that gets rotten important for an authentic feeling?
  • Should it be possible to influence the outcome of the events by the decisions you make, even if that resulted in a counterfactual outcome to the historical events?

I am excited to read your opinions on this topic and would really appreciate any comment given :slight_smile: Please note that I might use your answers in one way or another for my analysis on the topic, so if you do not agree to that but still like to contribute something on that matter, it is obviously still appreciated. Just let me know in case you would not like to be part of it and I will leave you out. Either way, I will not use names. Have fun discussing :slight_smile:

Best regards,
Max

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#2

If I’m playing a game for it’s historical accuracy and authenticity, then yes, I would want every aspect of the game to represent and meet those objectives as close as humanly and technically possible, but if it’s a fantasy version, then I would want a game that let’s the imagination take over, to the point, where anything and everything is possibility. I even enjoy where there is a mix of both Realism and Fantasy. I’m pretty flexible in that area, when it comes to games. But that’s just me!

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#3

If a game claims

a: To be realisitc
B: To have realistic elements
C: To be authentic
D: To be historically accurate

then

Should all important characters be historical persons with the correct name, age and standing?

Yes, if the sources provides this then yes, if not then the characters should behave historically plausible.

Should places, armor, cloths and all esthetic elements in general be historically accurate and look exactly like they did?

Trippe yes, especially accouterments for weapons.

Should the dates of events exactly match historical sources?

If the sources provides this yes. Minor undated events should be historically plausible.

How important is the social development of the character?

Nice to have :slight_smile:

Would you like to create your own character instead of playing a set role?

Both are nice.

Are features like fatigue or food that gets rotten important for an authentic feeling?

Very important

Should it be possible to influence the outcome of the events by the decisions you make, even if that resulted in a counterfactual outcome to the historical events?

No, documented events should be uninfluenced. Undocumented events may be influenced in a historical plausible manner

Else

Should places, armor, cloths and all esthetic elements in general be historically accurate and look exactly like they did?

Trippe yes, especially accouterments for weapons.

#4

By accoutrements you mean scabbards, right? :wink:

#5

Yes but not only :wink:

They include:

1: Suspensions (for scabbards and other single-handed staffed weapons)
2: Slings, for quivers and shields
…

:wink:

#6

Thanks for your contributions so far :slight_smile: Interesting opinions indeed, I am excited to see more!

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#7

Should all important characters be historical persons with the correct name, age and standing?

Yes. If you claim to be going for historical accuracy, then you make EVERYONE exactly as they were in history.

Should places, armor, cloths and all esthetic (aesthetic) elements in general be historically accurate and look exactly like they did?

Again, if you’re claiming to go for historical accuracy, then this is an absolute must. None of that fantasy, ‘‘my pauldrons are three times as big as my head,’’ fantasy crap.

Should the dates of events exactly match historical sources?

If it is recorded, then yes. If not, then try your best to keep it as real as possible. Nobody wants Battle of the Bastards or Helms Deep Ride-Out bullshit again. (Your army is crushed, complete defeat, then suddenly there is this miraculous army ten times as large as your enemies and simply goes through them like butter. Yeah…go fuck yourself and keep that in fantasy)

How important is the social development of the character?

This is a hit and miss with me. Are we talking social status or just relationships with other people?

Would you like to create your own character instead of playing a set role?

Again, a hit and miss. If you’re KC:D and have a story to be followed, then you need a set character. If there is a story but it’s so weak EA wouldn’t even touch it, then create a character.

Are features like fatigue or food that gets rotten important for an authentic feeling?

Well…they’re not favourable game mechanics, but they are real, so they are needed.

Should it be possible to influence the outcome of the events by the decisions you make, even if that resulted in a counterfactual outcome to the historical events?

Again, if you’re going for historical accuracy, then no, you should have no control. I know people hate it, but history happened.

#8

Hey and thanks for your reply :slight_smile:

I kept it vague on purpose to cover as much of the social aspects as possible. Which of the two would you rather want to be implemented?

Best regards,
Max

#9

I want the world and the things in it to be as realistic and authentic as can be, but I want to play my own story.

Food that goes rotten after 1 hour of game play is NOT realistic.

#10

For social status it’s not important given that it’s doubtful, near on impossible, to rise up from the peasantry to nobility. (But then ask yourself; how did those nobles become noble in the first place?)

Spoiler - The Witcher 3

With relationships, it’s eh. I liked the Bloody Baron from The Witcher 3, and I was saddened he hung himself/went into the Blue Mountains, so if it’s natural, I’m all for it. If it’s wooden like any EA game, then I could live without it.

Guess what I meant to say is that it doesn’t matter that much to me personally, but to others it might.

#11

Just the immersion of the time period. With all it’s historical accuracy of course. It’s a piece of art, and really brings a different time to life.

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#12

Bumping it up once more, maybe there is another one out there who’d like to contribute :slight_smile:

#13

Bumping season, ha-ha. Already 7 threads were bumped for 2 weeks.
aqrGu1C5ue0

2 Likes
#14

The combat has to be authentic --I’m referring mostly to film and television. The Battle of Gaugamela from Alexander (2004) and a few of the larger battles in the BBC/Netflix production of The Last Kingdom have been fantastic and historically accurate --in regards to formations and fighting styles. I wonder how the larger battles will play out in KCD, e.g., the castle sieges, but the smaller duels seem very well done, especially considering that they drew from authentic 15th century material, e.g., the Fior di Battaglia (I imagine)

#15

6 yes, 1 no.
"Would you like to create your own character instead of playing a set role?"
No need.
Gloriouis mr. Vavra wanted to make a game, that was my dream too.
His approach to the case also honors him.
Scuse, but i didn’t practice in english for 22 years.
Keep us google translator.

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