A Delayed Next Generation of Consoles is "Better for Us", Says The Blood of Dawnwalker Director

Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, the director of the upcoming vampire-themed RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker and former director of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, has stated that a delayed next-generation console launch would be "better" for studios like his. His comments come amid soaring console prices due to component shortages caused by generative AI data centers, with rumors that the PlayStation 6 could cost Sony up to $1,000 to manufacture. Xbox also expects component prices to double within a year, potentially affecting its next-gen Project Helix.

Tomaszkiewicz explained that developing for a new platform always presents challenges: "Always, a new platform is a new challenge: you need to learn it, you need to know what are your borders, what you can do, what you cannot do." He emphasized that additional builds multiply testing efforts, as each platform requires separate verification for patches. Currently, Rebel Wolves manages four builds for The Blood of Dawnwalker (Xbox Series S/X, PS5, and two PC versions for different regions). Adding next-gen consoles would increase this to six builds, straining resources.

"When you have next-gen, you're adding an additional two builds, and it multiplies the amount of work you need to do," Tomaszkiewicz noted. "It's easier because we know how many builds we have and it's easier to manage."

While The Blood of Dawnwalker launches on current-gen platforms on September 3rd, Rebel Wolves plans a sequel likely targeting next-gen consoles. Tomaszkiewicz acknowledged that stronger hardware mainly impacts visuals, allowing for more animations and advanced systems like Unreal Engine's emotion matching. However, he added that the limited audience at a new console's launch makes cross-generational releases a practical choice.

The article also highlights the game's unique features, including the dual day-night nature of protagonist Coen and a time-managed open world. Tomaszkiewicz remains optimistic about the series' future, despite industry headwinds.