Everyone is getting it wrong with The Blood of Dawnwalker: we explain how the 30-day cycle works

As there is a lot of commotion surrounding The Blood of Dawnwalker (a game that will be released on September 3) due to its 30-day and 30-night time system, Bandai Namco itself, the publisher of the title developed by Rebel Wolves, has sent us a press release that clearly explains what this mechanic consists of.

What is the mechanics of the 30 days and 30 nights, does the game end?

In The Blood of Dawnwalker, the “30-day limit” is not a real-time countdown, but a narrative and time management mechanic designed to give weight to your decisions without overwhelming you, explains Bandai Namco.

“You have 30 days and 30 nights within the game to try to save Coen’s family, the protagonist. In practice, time works as a strategic resource, not as a clock that runs non-stop.” That is to say, there is no automatic “game over” when time runs out: if you don’t succeed, the story continues, but the world and circumstances change (real narrative consequences).

How does time pass within the game?

• Time does not pass while you explore. Walking on the map, fighting
  minor enemies, or snooping around does not consume time. This avoids the
  feeling of a race against the clock.
• Time only advances with concrete actions. Completing missions,
  accepting certain important events, and some key decisions (including
  relevant side plots) do advance the calendar.
• The game clearly warns you when an action will pass time, so you
  can decide if it is worth doing at that moment.

Why did Rebel Wolves choose this mechanic?

According to its creators: to force meaningful choices: you won’t be able to see everything in a single playthrough; to prioritize which storylines matter to you, who you help and when you do it; and to reward replayability, as different time management leads to different outcomes.

If you’re as eager as I am to try this title, then we’re two. I hope September 3rd arrives soon.