CDPR's Witcher 3: Conquering Open-World Storytelling

In a recent interview, Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz, former lead quest designer of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, revealed CD Projekt Red's initial reservations about marrying a grand narrative with an open-world structure.

Image: steamcommunity.com

"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," Tomaszkiewicz stated.

CD Projekt Red initially worried the ambitious story scope might clash with the open-world design. However, the team pressed forward, resulting in one of the most acclaimed RPGs ever created—The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Today, Tomaszkiewicz leads Rebel Wolves, 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.