Open World
Ongoing coverage on Open World.
Latest coverage
How Gothic Remake Works to Give You an Especially Immersive Open World | IGN Live 2026
THQ Nordic's Reinhard Pollice discussed the Gothic remake at IGN Live, highlighting the original game's enduring appeal due to its unique and still-relevant mechanics. Pollice emphasized that while not the largest, Gothic's open world is exceptionally immersive and feels alive.
Be a cheeky bird thief in Bad Magpie
Bad Magpie, an open-world adventure game from UK studio Milktooth, is set to release on Xbox Series X|S and PC in 2027, launching day one on Game Pass. Players control a magpie with a single wing who collects trinkets to gain the affection of a fallen star. The studio was founded by Catherine Unger, Daisy Fernandez, and George Batchelor.
XBOX Games Showcase 2026 Recap: The Return of Exclusives, World Premieres, and Anniversary Hardware
The XBOX Games Showcase 2026 highlighted numerous upcoming titles, including Gears of War: E-Day, Clockwork Revolution, and Senua, with many confirmed as XBOX console exclusives. The event also celebrated XBOX's 25th anniversary with the announcement of limited edition hardware and revealed new trailers and gameplay for games like Fable, Halo: Campaign Evolved, and Persona 6.
State of Decay 3 gets a gameplay reveal trailer – set to launch in 2027 for Xbox, PC and PS5
Undead Labs revealed State of Decay 3 with a new gameplay trailer, confirming a 2027 release for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. The trailer showcased base building, horde combat, and evolved zombie behavior. This follows a six-year development cycle since the game's initial announcement.
State of Decay 3: Answering the Biggest Questions After the First Gameplay Reveal
Undead Labs revealed new gameplay details for State of Decay 3, showcasing its shared world co-op survival experience with up to four players. The game, built in Unreal Engine 5, will feature a map four times larger than its predecessor and introduce new mechanics like Plague Nests and an expanded combat system. State of Decay 3 is slated for a 2027 release on Xbox Series X|S, PC, cloud, and will be available on Steam and PlayStation 5.
Fable gets a new trailer and release date at the Xbox Showcase
Microsoft and Playground Games have announced that Fable will be released on February 23, 2027, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, and will be available on Game Pass. The game will feature a large open world with dynamic NPCs and a morality system, where players begin as a child in Briar Hill whose heroic powers emerge after their town is turned to stone.
Opinion: Mario Kart World Deserves Its Flowers, So Let's Stop Comparing It To MK8 Deluxe
This opinion piece argues that Mario Kart World deserves more recognition and should not be constantly compared to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. The author highlights World's unique blend of calm exploration and chaotic racing, its innovative open-world design, and its deep mechanics that offer a different, more challenging experience than its predecessor. The article suggests World is a defining game for the Switch 2, offering a refreshing take on the series.
Multiplayer critter-catching open world Aniimo unveils a new trailer, a summer beta, and release in Q3
Developer Pawprint Studio has unveiled a new trailer and release details for its open-world multiplayer RPG, Aniimo. The game is slated for a Q3 release and will feature a closed beta this summer. Aniimo will be available on iOS, Android, and PC via Steam.
Popular medieval survival RPG Bellwright coming to Xbox Series and PS5 consoles on June 9th
Donkey Crew and Snail Games USA announced that the medieval survival RPG Bellwright will launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles on June 9, 2026. The game, which has sold over one million copies on Steam Early Access, will feature optimizations for console play and include over two years of content updates. Creative Director Florian Hoffreither expressed excitement about bringing the full game to a wider audience.
ANIIMO ANNOUNCES Q3 2026 LAUNCH WINDOW, NEXT CLOSED BETA COMING SOON
Pawprint Studio announced that their creature-catching open-world RPG, Aniimo, is scheduled for a Q3 2026 launch. A new gameplay trailer revealed features for an upcoming Global Closed Beta Test this summer on PC, iOS, and Android. The game will also launch on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 in Q3 2026.
God Of War Laufey and Wolverine shows the Sony formula problem is still an issue - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that Sony's first-party games, exemplified by Marvel's Wolverine and God of War Laufey on PlayStation 5, continue to suffer from a predictable 'Sony formula.' This formula, characterized by single-player, narrative-driven open-world games with similar graphical and gameplay styles, has been present since the PlayStation 4 era and remains unresolved, potentially impacting future console generations.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation’s World is Open to Explore From the Start With “Lots” of Side Content
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will feature an open world explorable from the start, unlike its predecessor Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Game director Naoki Hamaguchi stated that while the main story follows a predetermined sequence, players can tackle a significant amount of side content, including optional WEAPON bosses, at their own pace. The game is set to release in Spring 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Bellwright coming to PS5, Xbox Series on June 9
The open-world survival crafting game Bellwright will launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series on June 9, with publisher Snail and developer Donkey Crew announcing the date. The game is currently in Early Access on PC and will remain so when the console versions release, though they will feature gamepad support and optimization for big-screen play. Bellwright aims to bring the full game experience, including over two years of content updates, to a wider audience.
Aniimo launches in Q3 2026
The free-to-play open-world creature catching action RPG Aniimo is set to launch in Q3 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PC, iOS, and Android. Publisher Kingsglory and developer Pawprint Studio announced that a global closed beta test will be held this summer on PC, iOS, and Android, featuring new Aniimo, regions, and gameplay modes.
Have mercy on our hard drives: Final Fantasy 7 Revelation also includes every region from the already massive FF7…
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will feature the entirety of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's open world in addition to new areas, according to director Naoki Hamaguchi. This massive scope raises concerns about the game's installation size, potentially exceeding Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's 145 GB. The game is slated for release in spring 2027.
gen ATLAS Announced
Epic Games and gen Design have announced gen ATLAS, a new single-player open-world action-adventure game. This title marks the latest project from the creators of ICO, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian, and is slated for a future release on PC and consoles.
Son of Thanjai Brings an Ancient Empire to Life in New Gameplay Trailer
Ayelet Studio has released a new gameplay trailer for their upcoming action-adventure game, Son of Thanjai, which is set in the ancient Chola empire. The trailer showcases combat inspired by Kalaripayattu, one of the world's oldest martial arts, and the unique Surul Vaal weapon. The game is coming to Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Hot Wheels Infinite Rush Revealed – Open-World Racing Hits Console And PC This September
Milestone and Mattel have revealed Hot Wheels Infinite Rush, an open-world arcade racer launching on September 24th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The game will feature over 150 vehicles, four explorable islands, and enhanced track builder tools with cross-platform online multiplayer.
MAVERICK GAMES’ OPEN-WORLD DRIVING EXPERIENCE CLUTCH STAR-STUDDED CAST REVEALED AT SUMMER GAME FEST
Maverick Games revealed the first cinematic trailer for its open-world action-driving game Clutch at Summer Game Fest 2026. The game features an original story written by Jamie Brittain and stars Tosin Cole, Little Simz, Peter Serafinowicz, Gregory Montel, and Jane Perry. Clutch is set in the French Riviera and will launch in Spring 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
HOT WHEELS Infinite Rush: Race Beyond the Track
Hot Wheels Infinite Rush is set to launch on Xbox Series X on September 24, 2026, offering players an open-world adventure combining speed, exploration, and creativity across four themed islands. The game features over 150 vehicles, customizable squads, and an enhanced Track Builder for community sharing.
