In a recent interview, Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz, former lead quest designer for The Witcher 3, discussed CD Projekt Red's initial concerns about integrating a complex narrative into an open-world game.

Image: steamcommunity.com

Tomaszkiewicz noted the unprecedented challenge of merging the expansive storytelling of linear RPGs (like The Witcher 2) with the open-world format. CD Projekt Red initially questioned whether such a grand narrative could successfully coexist within an open-world structure. However, the team ultimately embraced the challenge, resulting in the critically acclaimed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Now leading Rebel Wolves, Tomaszkiewicz is applying these lessons to their upcoming title, The Blood of Dawnwalker. This dark fantasy RPG, set in an alternate medieval Eastern Europe, features vampires as central figures. Currently in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, The Blood of Dawnwalker is expected to have a gameplay reveal this summer, though a release date remains unannounced.