Nine years and 3 million words of script: Acting in a video game epic

In a recent article by Tom Richardson from BBC Newsbeat, we learn about two talented actors, Luke Dale and Tom McKay, who have dedicated a significant part of their lives to creating a remarkable video game series called Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Over the past nine years, these two friends have poured their hearts and souls into this project, which is set in the historical backdrop of 15th Century Bohemia, a region in Europe. The scripts for both the original game and its sequel, KCD 2, amount to an astonishing three million words, making it one of the most extensive video game scripts ever written. The sequel, which was released just last week, has already garnered positive reviews and is being hailed as a major success in the gaming community. The story of KCD 2 continues the journey of Tom's character, Henry, who is a blacksmith's son that rises to become a knight, alongside Luke's character, the impulsive Sir Hans Capon. The game is designed to be open-ended, allowing players to explore various paths and make choices that can lead to different outcomes. This unique gameplay mechanic means that players can discover important characters and items outside of the main storylines, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. Tom, who plays the main character, has spent countless hours in the studio, acting out different scenarios and dialogues, which he describes as one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of his acting career. He explains that the nature of the game requires him to navigate through multiple decision paths, often switching between choices and exploring different outcomes. This level of complexity is not something typically found in traditional film or television acting, making it a truly unique challenge. The video game industry is known for its secrecy, and both Tom and Luke had to adhere to a strict non-disclosure agreement during the development of KCD 2. Tom humorously likened their situation to working for a secret intelligence agency, as they were unable to discuss their work with anyone, not even their close friends or family. He recalls instances where he encountered fans of the game while working on other projects, and he had to skillfully dodge their questions about the sequel. This was particularly challenging when he was in the Czech Republic, where the game is celebrated as a national success. When asked about his frequent trips to Prague, Tom would often deflect by saying he simply loved the city and visited for vacations. Luke shared that many fans had begun to lose hope for a sequel due to the long six-year wait between the two games. However, when KCD 2 was finally announced, the excitement among fans was palpable, and the game received an overwhelmingly positive reception upon its release. The game’s director, Daniel Vávra, has been a polarizing figure in the gaming community, often engaging with critics on social media. He has defended the historical accuracy of the first game, which faced criticism for its lack of diversity, arguing that it accurately reflects the time and place in which it is set. Vávra's outspoken views have garnered him both supporters and detractors, particularly in light of the new game, which includes a black character and a same-sex love scene. Luke noted that there seems to be a shift in the discourse surrounding the game, with some fans who previously supported the first installment now expressing dissatisfaction with the sequel. Both actors believe that the complaints stem from a small, vocal minority and that the true fans of the game are more focused on the gameplay and story rather than political issues. They spent time meeting fans after the release and found that the topic of controversy did not come up during their interactions. Tom remarked on the stark contrast between online discussions and real-life interactions, emphasizing that the majority of fans are simply excited about the game. Luke added that the true enthusiasts of gaming are not concerned with the political debates surrounding the game, suggesting that some individuals are using the game as a platform for their political agendas rather than engaging with it as a form of entertainment. Both Tom and Luke expressed their admiration for Vávra's vision and leadership throughout the development process. They explained that while he had the final say on creative decisions, the collaborative nature of game development involved input from many talented individuals. Luke described the process of performing scenes, where multiple team members would provide feedback and suggestions to ensure that the final product met Vávra's vision. Tom emphasized the strong bond that has formed between him and Luke over the years, likening their friendship to a comfortable pair of clothes. He noted that spending so much time together has created a natural camaraderie, which enhances their performances in the game. Luke humorously pointed out that while they are acting in a motion capture studio, they are often dressed in tight-fitting lycra suits, adding a lighthearted touch to their working environment. Overall, the journey of creating Kingdom Come: Deliverance and its sequel has been a remarkable experience for both actors, filled with challenges, triumphs, and a deep connection to their craft.