Rebel Wolves, a studio comprised of former CD Projekt Red developers, unveiled a cinematic trailer for their debut title, The Blood of Dawnwalker. This open-world RPG, reminiscent of The Witcher, features a dark fantasy setting, morally ambiguous choices, and a compelling outcast protagonist. Unique to the game is its integration of Persona-like time management mechanics.

The trailer, predominantly pre-rendered cinematic footage with brief gameplay glimpses, highlights the game's Witcher-esque qualities while teasing its Persona-inspired elements. Initially announced as Dawnwalker in January 2024, the game was officially revealed as The Blood of Dawnwalker on January 13, 2025, during a livestream hosted by Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco. The over four-and-a-half-minute trailer introduces the setting and the Dawnwalkers – powerful beings akin to enhanced vampires – and the protagonist, Coen, who becomes one at the game's outset.

The Blood of Dawnwalker's Dark Fantasy and Moral Choices

The game's dark fantasy setting, monstrous creatures, and morally gray choices immediately evoke the atmosphere of The Witcher, particularly The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's Blood and Wine expansion. Fans of challenging decisions and vampire lore will find the premise compelling. The morality system allows players to choose whether Coen embraces his Dawnwalker powers to save his family or clings to his humanity.

Time Management Inspired by Persona

Beyond its Witcher similarities, The Blood of Dawnwalker incorporates a novel twist: Persona-style time management. Every quest consumes time, forcing players to prioritize their actions. As game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz explains, "There are multiple approaches to saving Coen’s family with no clear division between main and side quests; you decide on how you spend the time." This "narrative sandbox" approach, where completing all quests in a single playthrough is impossible, promotes replayability and unique experiences.

Development and Release

Currently in development for PC and current-gen PlayStation and Xbox consoles, The Blood of Dawnwalker is planned as the first installment in a trilogy, published by Bandai Namco. While a release date remains unannounced, given its 2022 development start and AAA budget, a 2027 release or later is anticipated. Rebel Wolves promises a gameplay reveal in Summer 2025.