The former director of The Witcher 3 has unveiled that the protagonist of The Blood of Dawnwalker lives two lives, growing more powerful at night thanks to vampiric heritage. Discover how this unique mechanic shapes the gameplay!
The Blood of Dawnwalker Presents a Groundbreaking Game Mechanic
Ex-Witcher 3 Director Details Hero's Shifting Powers and Vulnerabilities
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, founder of Rebel Wolves and former director on The Witcher 3, explained they are implementing a game mechanic inspired by popular culture but previously unseen in video games. Rebel Wolves, a new studio developing The Blood of Dawnwalker, includes several veterans from The Witcher 3 team.
In an interview with PC Gamer, Tomaszkiewicz stated a desire to move away from the typical superhero power fantasy common in Marvel films. "Those narratives are challenging because you just keep getting more and more powerful," he said. "I sought a hero concept that felt grounded, one who must resolve conflicts creatively. Yet, I also wanted to offer players a kind of superhero experience."
This led to the creation of a protagonist who authentically embodies a half-human, half-vampire existence. By day, the character Coen possesses all human frailties, but by night, he unlocks new supernatural abilities.
"The hero's duality, reminiscent of figures like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, is fascinating," Tomaszkiewicz noted. "It's a well-known pop culture concept that games haven't explored. It adds a fresh dimension to the fantasy, and I believe it will resonate with players as something genuinely novel."
This central mechanic introduces distinct opportunities and constraints. Confronting enemies at night may prove far more advantageous than by day, particularly against non-vampiric foes. Furthermore, completing quests in daylight will require more cunning and planning, as players cannot depend on vampiric powers.
Former Witcher 3 Design Director Unveils "Time-as-a-Resource" System
Daniel Sadowski, former design director for The Witcher 3, also revealed in a January 16, 2025 PC Gamer interview that The Blood of Dawnwalker will feature a "time as a resource" mechanic.
This system significantly limits players' ability to complete every quest by binding progress to an in-game clock. "It will force you to make deliberate choices about what to pursue and what to skip," Sadowski explained. "You must prioritize content to best position yourself against the main antagonist. However, you'll have multiple ways to tackle problems, all woven into the game's narrative sandbox."
With this mechanic, players must thoughtfully select their next quest, considering its potential impact on future missions and character relationships. While restrictive, Sadowski believes "the pressure of limited time helps clarify your goals and motivations, defining your unique version of the protagonist, Coen."
Together, these two innovative mechanics ensure that every action—and inaction—can sway the game's narrative, making each player's decisions more consequential than ever.
