Behind the Scenes of The Witcher 3: How CDPR Overcame Open-World Narrative Challenges

In a recent interview, former lead quest designer of The Witcher 3, Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz, revealed CD Projekt Red's initial hesitation about successfully integrating a grand narrative into an open-world environment.

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"Few games have dared to attempt what we did: blending expansive storytelling techniques, usually reserved for linear RPGs with corridor-like structures, such as The Witcher 2, and adapting them to fit an open-world experience," stated Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz.

CD Projekt Red initially worried that the game's ambitious story might clash with the open-world design. However, the team persevered, resulting in the critically acclaimed The Witcher 3. Today, Tomaszkiewicz leads the team at Rebel Wolves, currently developing The Blood of Dawnwalker. Set in an alternate medieval Eastern Europe with dark fantasy elements, vampires are central to this new game's narrative.

The Blood of Dawnwalker is in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. While an official release date remains unannounced, a gameplay reveal is expected this summer.