The gaming world was treated to a surprising revelation during the Summer Game Fest 2026. Rebel Wolves Studio, the indie powerhouse behind the upcoming dark fantasy RPG The Blood of Dawnwalkershared not just a glimpse of their game, but also a tantalizing peek into its future. The studio’s bold move to reveal a post-credits scene months before the game’s release has sparked intrigue and excitement among fans.
Set against the backdrop of 14th-century EuropeThe Blood of Dawnwalker follows the journey of Coena Dawnwalker caught between humanity and vampirism. The game promises an immersive experience with up to 70 hours of gameplay, 100 cutscenesand 500 dialogue exchanges. Players will navigate a world ravaged by the Black Deathforging alliances and making choices that shape the narrative.
The Dawnwalker Saga: A Multi-Century Journey
Rebel Wolves Studio founder and game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz confirmed that the modern-day footage shown in the Summer Game Fest trailer is indeed a post-credits scene from The Blood of Dawnwalker. This revelation is part of the studio’s grand vision to create a connected franchisemuch like Mass Effect or The Witcher. Tomaszkiewicz emphasized that the game is just the first chapter in a saga that will span different eras, countries, and myths.
“We knew that it would be a saga,” Tomaszkiewicz said. “We have a high-level story which we will tell through all parts of the game, which will lead to the modern times. It’s also an invitation and the promise for players that we will go through it together, through the different eras, different countries, different legends, different myths, and different species of the night.”
A Standalone Experience with Lasting Impact
Despite the franchise’s ambitious scope, The Blood of Dawnwalker is designed to be a standalone experience with a definitive conclusion. Narrative designer Piotr Kucharski explained that the game features a dynamic time systemwith players having only 30 in-game days and nights to complete their journey. This system ensures that choices have meaningful consequences, with some content remaining hidden depending on the player’s decisions.
Kucharski highlighted the challenge and reward of creating a narrative where players’ choices matter. “Whichever choice the players make, you have to make it a satisfying choice,” he said. “Even if you do something that is not a great attune for the character, you still get some bit of lore or some story bit that will be interesting to you.”
Building a Franchise with a Clear Vision
Tomaszkiewicz revealed that some members of the development team are already working on the sequel to The Blood of Dawnwalker. This early planning ensures consistency and direction for the franchise. “It’s better to have the plan and know how it will develop,” Tomaszkiewicz stated. “For us inside [Rebel Wolves], it also has a meaning because it gives us the direction and the signposts of where we are going with the team.”
The studio’s approach aims to avoid burnout by exploring different eras and stories. Tomaszkiewicz shared that moving between different historical periods allows the team to expand the feature list and tell diverse stories, keeping the creative process fresh and engaging.
Motivating the Team and Engaging Players
By revealing the modern-day scenes during Summer Game Fest, Rebel Wolves not only motivated their development team but also set clear expectations for players. Tomaszkiewicz hopes that players will make choices they are “happy” with, knowing that their decisions will carry over to future games. “Even if they won’t find the answers right now in the first chapter of our story, there will be a big payoff on the way to the grand finale,” Kucharski teased.
The Blood of Dawnwalker is set to launch on September 3, 2026for PCPlayStation 5and Xbox Series X|S. With its rich narrative, dynamic choices, and promising franchise potential, Rebel Wolves Studio is poised to make a significant impact on the RPG genre.
