When Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, the celebrated director of The Witcher 3, left CD Projekt Red (CDPR), the gaming world was left buzzing with questions. Why would someone at the helm of one of the most revered RPGs of all time walk away from a position of influence at such a successful studio? The answer lies in Tomaszkiewicz’s vision for redefining RPGs—a vision that could only come to life by building a new studio, Rebel Wolves, from the ground up.
In an exclusive interview with PC Gamer, Tomaszkiewicz opened up about the motivations behind this bold move and the development of his upcoming vampire RPG, The Blood of Dawnwalker.
A Studio Built for Creativity
“I set up Rebel Wolves because I felt that I wanted to make something that is unique with my friends,” Tomaszkiewicz explains. “We had crazy ideas, and we knew that to bring them to life, we needed to open our own studio.”
Tomaszkiewicz recognized that larger studios, like CDPR, often face challenges with agility and innovation due to their size and established practices. By forming a smaller team, he aimed to foster an environment where communication flows freely, and creative sparks ignite without bureaucratic obstacles.
Expanding the Boundaries of RPGs
The Blood of Dawnwalker is a testament to Rebel Wolves’ mission to evolve the RPG genre. The game’s protagonist, Coen, is a half-human, half-vampire navigating the perilous Vale Sangora, a valley dominated by powerful vampires who have taken his family. While the premise sets the stage for a gripping tale, it’s the gameplay innovations that stand out.
One such innovation is the “time as a resource” mechanic. Unlike traditional RPGs, where players often feel free to wander off and engage in side activities, The Blood of Dawnwalker introduces a dynamic day-night cycle. Every action or quest completed advances time, influencing the world and narrative.
“When you’re playing The Witcher 3 and you know that Ciri needs help, but you decide to go play Gwent, it’s something which... you feel that it’s a game,” Tomaszkiewicz reflects. “But maybe if you had some resource, and you know that if you don’t go, something would happen, your emotions and immersion would be different.”
This system compels players to weigh their choices carefully, enhancing both immersion and the stakes of the narrative.
A Team of Veterans
Tomaszkiewicz is not alone in his quest to revolutionize RPGs. Joining him at Rebel Wolves are several former CDPR colleagues, including design director Daniel Sadowski and creative director Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz, who both played pivotal roles in The Witcher series. This wealth of experience lends credibility to the studio’s ambitious goals.
A Bold Step Forward
The Blood of Dawnwalker promises more than just a compelling story and a fresh take on vampires. Its blend of narrative freedom and meaningful consequences has the potential to redefine how players experience RPGs.
Rebel Wolves’ journey is one of passion and risk, fueled by a desire to push boundaries and create something truly unique. As Tomaszkiewicz and his team forge ahead, fans of RPGs have every reason to be excited for what’s to come.
For those eager to immerse themselves in the Vale Sangora, The Blood of Dawnwalker represents not just a game, but a bold statement about the future of interactive storytelling.
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