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, disclosed that CD Projekt Red (CDPR) initially had doubts about integrating a grand narrative into an open-world game.

Behind the Scenes of The Witcher 3: How CDPR Overcame Open-World Narrative Challenges 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," Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz.

Initially, CDPR was concerned that the expansive scope of the story might conflict with the open-world design. Despite these reservations, the development team boldly pursued their vision, resulting in the creation of one of the most acclaimed RPGs to date—The Witcher 3. Today, Tomaszkiewicz heads the team at Rebel Wolves, where they are developing The Blood of Dawnwalker. Set in an alternative medieval Eastern Europe infused with dark fantasy elements, this game centers around vampires.

The Blood of Dawnwalker is in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series platforms. While no official release date has been announced, fans can look forward to a gameplay reveal this summer.