CDPR's Triumph: Overcoming Narrative Hurdles in The Witcher 3's Open World

In a recent interview, Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz, the former lead quest designer of The Witcher 3, shared intriguing insights into the challenges faced by CD Projekt Red when blending a grand narrative with an open-world framework. Initially, the team at CDPR harbored doubts about whether the ambitious storytelling typical of linear RPGs, like The Witcher 2, could be effectively integrated into an expansive open-world setting.

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

Despite these concerns, the development team courageously ventured into uncharted territory, resulting in the creation of one of the most acclaimed RPGs of all time, The Witcher 3. Today, Tomaszkiewicz heads the team at Rebel Wolves, where they are diligently working on The Blood of Dawnwalker. Set in an alternative medieval Eastern Europe infused with dark fantasy elements, this new game revolves around vampires.

The Blood of Dawnwalker is currently in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series platforms. While an official release date has yet to be announced, eager fans can look forward to a gameplay reveal this summer.