Last night we had this year's Golden Joysticks, and sadly, The Blood of Dawnwalker came up short despite a number of nominations. Developer Rebel Wolves is taking it in stride though, very much just happy to be in the conversation since this is literally the company's debut release.
"It's such a remarkable experience and an incredible honor to witness my fellow Rebel Wolves making this magic happen," Tomasz Tinc, chief publishing officer and co-owner of the studio, said on Twitter. "A privilege beyond words. Big congratulations to all the amazing nominees across all categories, all the winners, and everyone who released a game over the past 12 months."
He notes where exactly the historical RPG ranked across various categories. Fifth in Ultimate Game of the Year, second in PC Game of the Year, and second in Best Storytelling, where The Blood of Dawnwalker lost out to the likes of Dispatch, Resident Evil Requiem, and Crimson Desert.
#2 in Best Storytelling, behind Dispatch. #2 in Best PC Game of the Year, behind Crimson Desert (out of 10 nominees!). #5 in Ultimate Game of the Year (out of 12 nominees!), won by the incredible Resident Evil Requiem. And a total of FOUR nominations (including Will's amazing performance as our Coen). For a new studio and its very first game. It's such a remarkable experience and an incredible honor to witness my fellow Rebel Wolves making this magic happen. A privilege beyond words. Big congratulations to all the amazing nominees across all categories, all the winners, and everyone who released a game over the past 12 months. As Alix Wilton Regan said, these are challenging times for our industry, and there's nothing more encouraging than seeing developers applauding one another and celebrating each other's work. And seeing gamers experience what they've brought to life.November 11, 2026
Those are big games, made by veteran developers. In the case of Requiem, it's a well-received installment of a long-running series. There's no shame in losing out to such a game, least of all if you're competing for one of the biggest prizes of the whole ceremony.
Rebel Wolves took a large creative risk with The Blood of Dawnwalker. It's a blockbuster high-concept action RPG, wherein you have a limited time to save your family from vampires, sat amid the Carpathian Mountains of the 14th century.
Even with the studio's founders being ex-contributors to The Witcher 3, those are big swings. The fact it's worked out the way it has is commendable, as is losing out with grace. "These are challenging times for our industry, and there's nothing more encouraging than seeing developers applauding one another and celebrating each other's work," Tinc finishes.
