The impact of real-world history on video games has been significant since the beginning, particularly in the strategy genre. Early tabletop wargames that focused on historical conflicts laid the groundwork for this category. A landmark title in this realm was 1991’s Civilization, which allowed players to step into the shoes of a historical leader and guide their nation to triumph.
The Age of Empires series, Anno, Crusader Kings, Assassin’s Creed, and Ghost of Tsushima highlight the enduring appeal of history-themed video games. As we look ahead to 2025, several new titles are set to join this popular genre. Among these upcoming releases, two games are scheduled to launch just a week apart, each promising a unique approach to exploring historical narratives.
February 2025 Will Give History Fans Two Different Gaming Experiences
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Offers Painstaking Historical Accuracy
Prior to its release in 2018, a major highlight in the marketing of Kingdom Come: Deliverance was its impressive commitment to historical accuracy. To authentically depict the 15th Century Kingdom of Bohemia, Warhorse Studios assembled a dedicated team of historians. Their expertise guided the developers in accurately representing various elements from that era.
According to interviews conducted prior to the release, such as the one by Game Rant in August, it appears that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is fully committed to historical authenticity once more. Tobias Stolz-Zwilling, the PR Manager at Warhorse Studios, noted that while the game doesn’t aim for complete accuracy, the development team has worked hard to ensure that the game’s environment, characters, and central narrative are rooted in genuine historical documentation.
In many medieval-themed RPGs, players typically take on the role of an unbeatable hero destined to vanquish a looming evil. However, in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, players experience a different narrative where they are portrayed as an ordinary citizen, complete with genuine motivations, strengths, and weaknesses.
Civilization 7 Offers a More Speculative Approach to History
In Civilization 7, players can secure victory through various paths, including military, scientific, cultural, or economic strategies. This flexibility means that the game doesn’t limit players to the historical methods by which real-world nations gained power. Instead, it encourages creativity in how they choose to lead.