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

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

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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,” Tomaszkiewicz stated.

CD Projekt Red initially worried the game's ambitious story might conflict with the open-world design. However, the team persevered, resulting in the critically acclaimed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Today, Tomaszkiewicz leads 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 title.

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.