What Are Your Thoughts on the Future of Open-World Games?

Hi everyone,

I’ve been really into open-world games lately, and I’m curious about where the genre is heading in the future. It seems like more games are embracing larger, more immersive worlds with dynamic systems, but do you think this is a sustainable trend? Or will we start seeing a shift back to more focused, linear gameplay?

I’m particularly interested in how developers balance creating vast open-world environments with meaningful, engaging content. Do you think we’ll see more innovative mechanics, or will the genre continue to follow similar paths in terms of exploration and quest design?

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Considering Ubisoft keeps churning them out they are sustainable. Also Stalker 2 is selling well. The issue is when they try to monetize the shit out of them. Some monetization is ok but when they put it all in your face that's what turns gamers off.

Linear games are making a come back as well. I think the game genre can survive for Open World it just needs to be done right. For example the latest world of warcraft patch with Undermine is stellar a 10 out of 10 patch and well worth checking out.

I think open world games are a great idea, unfortunately companies like Ubisoft just bog the game down with so many “collectables” and icons to retrieve on the map it just feels like a chore. Hogwarts Legacy was pretty bad for this as well. To be honest I have started to prefer linear based games the last few years, which is wild to me because when the open world games first came out I thought it was the best idea ever for gameplay.

Open-zone is the future.

Open-world is fun, but it's flaws have become pretty obvious to the masses (or at least us "diehards" here at Gamespot :P ).

Open-zone is where it is at; that is, large but instanced (zoned) levels filled with the freedom to explore, but not so big that details get traded in for size. It's the perfect compromise because you get the focus and purpose you feel from a linear game, but you get the freedom to explore a large (but not too large!) map packed with details and more verticality and depth.

My order of preference is:

1. Open-zone
2. Linear (ideally with branches)
3. Open-world.

With that said, I don't dislike open-world, I just think we have a better option that is now viewed more favorably than in the past.

Good examples of open-zone level/world design are:

• Avowed
• The Outer Worlds
• Crysis
• Dragon Age: Inquisition
• Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines

Thanks for your input! I totally agree that when developers go overboard with monetization, it can really ruin the experience, especially in open-world games. It’s interesting that linear games are making a comeback; it seems like there’s a good balance between the two. I think as long as developers focus on creating immersive worlds without overwhelming players with microtransactions, the open-world genre will continue to thrive.

I’ll definitely check out the latest World of Warcraft patch too—sounds like it has some great content!

Personally only like a few open world games (Outer Wilds being a good example) as I find majority woefully shallow and mindless. Just badly designed games, with undercooked systems, as the focus is being the definition of padding.

& while ago it seemed everyone was chasing that trend, I believe it's better now with developers no longer chasing open world games but enough in the market to keep open world fans happy. That's how it should be; example Metal Gear Solid should have never been open world and was a terrible idea.

More flop, AI slip. Lot's of slop.