New RPG Is Like The Witcher Meets Persona

Rebel Wolves, a studio comprised of former CD Projekt Red developers, unveiled their debut title, The Blood of Dawnwalker, with a cinematic trailer. 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, however, is its incorporation of Persona-like time management mechanics.

The recently released trailer, primarily pre-rendered cinematic footage with brief gameplay glimpses, highlights the game's Witcher-esque atmosphere. Initially announced as Dawnwalker in January 2024, the game was officially revealed as The Blood of Dawnwalker on January 13th, 2025, by Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco. The extended trailer introduces Coen, the protagonist, who becomes a Dawnwalker—essentially, a powerful vampire—at the game's outset.

Echoes of The Witcher and a Persona Twist

The Blood of Dawnwalker's dark fantasy backdrop, monsters, morally gray choices, and the tagline "the world needs what it fears" strongly evoke The Witcher series, especially for fans of The Witcher 3's Blood and Wine expansion. The game's morality system allows players to choose whether Coen embraces his Dawnwalker powers to save his family or clings to his humanity.

Beyond its Witcher influences, The Blood of Dawnwalker innovates with Persona-style time management. Quest completion requires time investment, and the lack of a clear distinction between main and side quests encourages player agency. Game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz explains that completing everything in a single playthrough is impossible, fostering replayability and unique experiences within the game's "narrative sandbox."

Currently in development for PC and current-gen consoles (PlayStation and Xbox), The Blood of Dawnwalker is planned as the first installment of a trilogy. Published by Bandai Namco, the game, with its AAA budget and 2022 development start, is unlikely to release before 2027, with a gameplay reveal promised for Summer 2025.