Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s developers have added survival mechanics that make playing the game more about staying alive than simply progressing through its story. But why? The game’s senior designer, Ondřej Bittner, believes it’s not because they want to make games harder, but rather to avoid the repetition and boredom that comes with overly long playtime.
“If a game is 150 hours and all of your sessions are the same, you’re gonna get bored,” says Bittner. The game’s survival mechanics remind players that Henry is just a human, making them more cautious in combat and giving the game a sense of realism.
Bittner also emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between realism and fantasy. While some features like alchemy are clearly fantastical, they’re still grounded enough to feel immersive. The development team was picky about which features made it into the game, ensuring that everything served the overall RPG experience.
When asked about potential drawbacks, Bittner notes that these mechanics add texture to the game’s open world, making it feel more like living in 15th century Bohemia than simply playing a game. Some players may find them frustrating or even annoying, but for others, they’re worth it for the immersive experience they provide.
In an interview with GamesRadar+, Bittner explained that instant gratification in gaming has become a problem, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is designed to feel like a spiritual successor to Oblivion and Morrowind. By focusing on survival mechanics, the game creates a sense of tension and urgency that rewards careful play rather than quick fixes.
Source: https://www.gamesradar.com/games/rpg/kingdom-come-deliverance-2-dev-weighs-in-on-why-its-getting-harder-to-survive-in-rpgs-if-a-game-is-150-hours-and-all-of-your-sessions-are-the-same-youre-gonna-get-bored