The Unique Challenges and Rewards of Acting in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Actors Tom McKay and Luke Dale share their experiences working on the expansive RPG, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. The game's unprecedented script size and complex decision-making paths presented unique challenges for the cast. With over 500 hours spent in the recording booth, McKay, who plays Henry, faced an acting challenge unlike any other. Dale, portraying Hans Capon, discusses the collaborative process and the need to adapt lines to various scenarios. Despite the secrecy surrounding the project, the actors formed strong bonds during the nine-year production period.

Unprecedented Acting Demands in a Vast RPG World

Working on Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 pushed the boundaries of traditional acting methods. The vast narrative structure required actors to explore multiple branching storylines, each with distinct emotional tones and character arcs. This demanded an extraordinary level of versatility from the cast, particularly from Tom McKay, who played the protagonist Henry. McKay had to deliver lines across countless variations of dialogue, reflecting different choices players could make within the game.

The sheer volume of content was staggering. McKay spent over 500 hours in the sound booth, navigating through numerous decision paths. Unlike linear mediums like TV or film, where actors follow a single storyline, video games require performers to adapt to various outcomes. McKay described the process as going down one path, then retracing steps to explore alternatives. This constant shifting between scenarios created a unique acting challenge that demanded exceptional focus and adaptability. The complexity of the script meant that actors had to maintain continuity while delivering lines in diverse contexts, ensuring that Henry’s personality remained consistent regardless of the player’s choices.

Bonding Through Secrecy and Motion Capture

Despite the intense workload, the cast developed close friendships during the lengthy production. The unusual circumstances of working in motion capture suits added an element of camaraderie. Actors often compared it to wearing comfortable clothes, despite being clad head-to-toe in lycra. The isolation required by the project’s secrecy only strengthened these bonds. For nearly nine years, the cast kept their work under wraps, creating an atmosphere of shared purpose and trust.

The secrecy surrounding Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 was akin to working for a government agency. Actors were instructed not to discuss their roles, even with family members. This level of confidentiality was necessary to preserve the surprise for fans. When spotted in Prague, Tom McKay had to improvise explanations to avoid revealing the sequel’s existence. Despite the constraints, the project’s success has been remarkable, selling over a million copies within 24 hours and breaking several records. The dedication of the cast and crew has clearly paid off, making Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 a standout title in the gaming world.