The former Witcher 3 director reveals The Blood of Dawnwalker's protagonist lives a double life: human by day, vampire by night. This duality fuels a unique gameplay mechanic, granting increased power at night while imposing limitations during daylight hours. Discover how this innovative approach shapes the game's experience!
The Blood of Dawnwalker: A Unique Gameplay Mechanic
A Day-Night Dynamic: Exploring Coen's Dual Nature
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, former Witcher 3 director and founder of Rebel Wolves, unveils a fresh take on a familiar trope. Rebel Wolves, a new studio boasting Witcher 3 veterans, is developing The Blood of Dawnwalker. In a PC Gamer interview, Tomaszkiewicz explains his desire to avoid typical superhero power creep. He sought a grounded protagonist, yet one who still offered players a taste of the extraordinary.
"It’s hard to tell those stories where the hero just gets stronger and stronger," Tomaszkiewicz explains. "So I looked for an idea for a hero who's grounded, who needs to solve problems differently. But I also wanted to give players something akin to a superhero experience."
The solution? A protagonist who truly embodies the duality of human and vampire. Coen, the game's hero, possesses human vulnerabilities by day but gains supernatural abilities at night. This mechanic, inspired by classic stories like Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, is unprecedented in video games.
"This duality of the hero, something familiar from pop culture, hasn't been explored in games," Tomaszkiewicz notes. "It adds a unique layer to the non-reality elements. It's exciting because it's uncharted territory."
This mechanic introduces both opportunities and limitations. Night battles against non-vampiric enemies might prove significantly easier. Conversely, daylight scenarios may necessitate more strategic, less power-dependent solutions.
Time as a Resource: Strategic Choices in a Limited World
Daniel Sadowski, former design director of The Witcher 3, adds another layer of complexity: a "time-as-a-resource" mechanic (PC Gamer, January 16, 2025). This mechanic introduces a time constraint to quests, forcing players to prioritize tasks.
"It forces you to make choices—what to pursue, what to ignore," Sadowski explains. "You'll need to select content to maximize your chances against the main enemy. But there will be multiple approaches to problems, all feeding into the narrative sandbox."
Players must carefully evaluate the consequences of their choices, considering how completing one quest might impact future missions and relationships. While restrictive, Sadowski believes this limitation clarifies player actions and motivations. "Knowing your time is limited helps crystallize what you're doing, and why Coen is doing it."
The interplay of these two mechanics—day/night duality and time constraints—creates a dynamic narrative where every action, and inaction, significantly impacts the story's unfolding.
