The former Witcher 3 director reveals The Blood of Dawnwalker's protagonist lives a double life, his vampiric blood granting him enhanced power at night. Discover this unique gameplay mechanic!
The Blood of Dawnwalker: A Unique Gameplay Mechanic
Day and Night Abilities: A Former Witcher 3 Director's Vision
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, former Witcher 3 director and founder of Rebel Wolves, unveils a fresh gameplay mechanic—a concept familiar in pop culture but untouched in video games. Rebel Wolves, the studio behind The Blood of Dawnwalker, boasts several veterans from the Witcher 3 team.
In a PC Gamer interview, Tomaszkiewicz explains his desire to avoid the typical superhero power creep seen in many games and films. "The challenge with those stories is the ever-increasing power," he notes. "So, I sought a grounded hero, one who solves problems differently, while still offering players a touch of the superhero experience."
This led to the creation of a protagonist, Coen, who embodies the true duality of a half-human, half-vampire. By day, Coen is vulnerable, possessing human limitations. However, nightfall unleashes his supernatural abilities and powers.
"This duality, reminiscent of Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, is a well-known pop culture trope yet unexplored in gaming," Tomaszkiewicz observes. "It adds a fascinating layer to the narrative and presents unique gameplay possibilities, something truly original."
This mechanic introduces both opportunities and limitations. Night battles might favor Coen against non-vampiric foes, while daytime quests demand strategic thinking and resourcefulness, forcing players to rely on wit rather than supernatural strength.
Time as a Resource: Another Innovative Mechanic
Daniel Sadowski, former design director of The Witcher 3, further revealed a "time-as-a-resource" mechanic in a January 16, 2025 PC Gamer interview.
This mechanic introduces significant constraints, tying quests to a strict time system. "Players will be forced to make difficult choices about which quests to pursue and which to abandon," Sadowski explains. "Maximizing chances of defeating the main enemy requires careful prioritization, but players retain agency in how they approach challenges."
Players must strategically evaluate the impact of each quest on future missions and relationships. While restrictive, Sadowski believes this limitation "clarifies decision-making, adding depth to Coen's actions and motivations."
These two intertwined mechanics—the day/night duality and time as a resource—ensure that every action (and inaction) shapes the narrative, elevating the importance of every decision.
