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I’m not sure if the gaming industry needs another save transfer gimmick, but here we are. Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco are bringing save data from *The Blood of Dawnwalker* into future games, and…

I’m not sure if the gaming industry needs another save transfer gimmick, but here we are. Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco are bringing save data from *The Blood of Dawnwalker* into future games, and honestly, this feels like a risky move that could end up biting them in the neck.

During a recent chat, game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz explained that the Dawnwalker saga is planned to unfold over multiple titles. “When you know what you want to say in the next games,” he said, “it’s easier to plan the story for [the first] game.” This sounds great in theory, but I can’t help but think back to BioWare’s missteps with *Mass Effect*. They tried to carry player choices across games, and while it was ambitious, it often fell flat. Will *Dawnwalker* do any better?

Blood of Dawnwalker Game Art

At the Summer Game Fest, the game's trailer had some serious *Interview with a Vampire* vibes, which isn’t a bad thing. The story follows Coen, a half-human, half-vampire protagonist. Unlike Shepard, he can live for centuries, setting the stage for a vast narrative journey. But just because he’s immortal doesn’t mean this series can pull off complex narrative threads across time periods without stumbling.

“This is really important for many reasons. There’s more fun in telling different stories from many places on Earth.” - Konrad Tomaszkiewicz

While Tomaszkiewicz assures us that the series will explore various historical settings, I can’t help but feel cautious. The idea of jumping from the 14th century to the modern day could lead to some fascinating storytelling, but it also raises questions about consistency. Just look at *Assassin's Creed*—it’s fun bouncing between eras, but does it really serve the story? Often, it feels more like a parade of historical set pieces than a coherent narrative.

Blood of Dawnwalker Trailer Screenshot

What’s interesting is the commitment to player freedom. Bandai Namco confirmed that players will indeed have the option to carry their save data, which opens up a Pandora's box of player agency and choice. But this could lead to a nightmarish tangle of decisions that the developers have to account for. If not handled carefully, it could be a serious miscalculation.

It’s telling that Tomaszkiewicz has already begun laying the groundwork for sequels before the first game is even out. “We’re thinking about it for a long time,” he said, indicating that the future of the saga is a priority. But will they overreach? Will they create a series that feels more like a chore than an adventure?

To me, the potential is there, but it hinges on execution. I spent four hours with *The Blood of Dawnwalker* and came away intrigued—its tone has echoes of *The Witcher 3*, which isn't surprising given Tomaszkiewicz's history. But can they maintain that quality while juggling the complexities of player choice?

As we gear up for the game's release on September 3rd, I’m cautiously optimistic. But if they stumble over their own narrative ambitions, it could leave a bitter taste in players’ mouths. Here’s hoping they can pull it off because the last thing we need is another overhyped series that fails to deliver.

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Zachary Tyree
Written by Zachary Tyree

Zachary Tyree covers the latest in gaming culture, reviews, and industry analysis with a focus on fighting games and RPGs.