The timer mechanics in The Blood of Dawnwalker, which impose a 30-day and 3-night limit on the player's quest, may not be a permanent fixture in the series. Rebel Wolves director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz stated that the divisive feature is not guaranteed to return in future installments unless it can be integrated meaningfully with the narrative.
Tomaszkiewicz explained that the development team will re-evaluate the necessity of the timer for subsequent games. "If we will have parts of the story, or the whole story, to which it fits, then we will use it. If we will have stories where it does not fit, we will not force it," he said, emphasizing that the system's purpose is to enhance the urgency of certain in-game events. He added that the studio is exploring "other crazy ideas which can make the RPG genre different," suggesting a desire to innovate beyond established formulas.
Rebel Wolves is aware of the mixed reception to the timer. While some players found it to be an effective tool for maintaining focus and creating a sense of urgency, others felt it was too restrictive or not punishing enough. The studio is also receptive to players using mods to alter the timer's duration or remove it entirely, though they encourage experiencing the vanilla game first. Tomaszkiewicz countered the argument that players might want to see everything in one playthrough by noting that even in titles like The Witcher, a single playthrough does not allow for the discovery of all content due to branching choices and consequences.
Some players have expressed a desire for a stricter timer to enhance the game's challenge and encourage more deliberate decision-making. The director acknowledged the difficulty in striking a perfect balance that satisfies all players. He suggested that future implementations could involve integrating time management more contextually, perhaps tied to specific quests where it enhances the narrative rather than being a blanket requirement for the main story.
Development on a sequel to The Blood of Dawnwalker is reportedly in its early stages, giving Rebel Wolves ample time to refine their approach to mechanics like the timer and explore new ideas that will differentiate the series from other RPGs, including The Witcher. The studio is actively seeking writers for the sequel, indicating a commitment to expanding the Dawnwalker universe.