Witcher 3 Director Says His Vampire Game “Couldn’t” Be Made At CD Projekt Red Or Another Established Studio
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director of The Witcher 3, has launched a new vampire-themed fantasy RPG titled “Blood of the Dawnwalker” with a team of former CD Projekt Red developers. In an interview with IGN, Tomaszkiewicz revealed that the game’s innovative design elements—particularly its “narrative sandbox” and time-loop mechanics—could not have been realized within the confines of a major established studio like CD Projekt Red or other large AAA publishers.
Tomaszkiewicz explained that large corporations with established intellectual properties face significant constraints when attempting to innovate. Bigger studios are often pressured to maintain consistency with existing franchises and proven formulas, making it difficult to take creative risks or implement genuinely novel gameplay concepts. This limitation on creative freedom appears to have been a driving factor behind his decision to establish an independent studio and develop an original IP.
“Blood of the Dawnwalker” is positioned as one of 2026’s most anticipated original games, offering a fresh vampire-focused narrative experience that likely would have faced resistance or compromises under a major publisher. The game’s combination of open-ended narrative design and cyclical time mechanics demonstrates an ambitious approach to storytelling and player agency.
This development reflects a broader industry trend where established talent increasingly chooses independence to pursue experimental and innovative projects. By stepping away from large corporate constraints, Tomaszkiewicz and his team have created the conditions necessary to develop a game prioritizing creative ambition over proven market formulas.