Open World
Ongoing coverage on Open World.
Latest coverage
Dragon's Dogma 2 update finally gives the RPG the performance boost it desperately needed, and it's so good that it's even lowered the PC system requirements
Capcom has released a significant update for Dragon's Dogma 2, addressing long-standing performance issues and improving the game's overall stability. This patch has been met with widespread player approval, with many reporting drastically increased frame rates and even a reduction in the game's PC system requirements. The update also includes quality-of-life improvements such as unlimited fast travel and adjustments to the controversial Dragonsplague mechanic.
GTA 6 Will Make Players “Forget That They’re Simply Playing a Game,” Says Co-Studio Head
Rockstar North co-studio head Rob Nelson stated that Grand Theft Auto 6's interconnected systems and player agency will allow players to "forget that they’re simply playing a game." The upcoming title aims to provide unprecedented freedom in how players approach situations and missions. The game is set to release on November 19th for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
15 Biggest Games Launching in September 2026
September 2026 is set to be a massive month for game releases, featuring titles across numerous genres including open-world, action RPGs, sports, and racing. Notable upcoming games include Control Resonant, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Silent Hill: Townfall, Marvel's Wolverine, and the 1.0 launch of Valheim.
(Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced) Popular Open-World PlayStation 5 Game’s Free Update Adds New Features
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, a remake of the 2013 open-world game, has received a free update (1.0.7) for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The update introduces new player customization options, including hiding Edward Kenway's pistols and toggling visual perk effects, alongside various gameplay, stability, quest, and accessibility fixes. A new animal rescue encounter has also been added.
GTA 6 will lock you out of story missions if you're too broke, so it's good to know the robbery mechanics have…
Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature detailed robbery mechanics, including unique interactions for different store types and potential CCTV and hostage situations. Players may be blocked from progressing the story if they do not accumulate enough in-game cash through these activities or other means like street racing.
GTA 6 isn't flashy for the sake of it – I'm impressed at how additive every new detail feels to gameplay
Grand Theft Auto 6 is poised to be an industry milestone, building upon Rockstar Games' established crime sandbox formula with additive gameplay details. The article highlights how mechanics like physically carrying loot and an overhauled Wanted system integrate seamlessly into core gameplay, making the world feel more convincing and interactive than in previous titles, including Red Dead Redemption 2. The focus on natural integration of details and the partnership between protagonists Lucia and Jason suggest a refined and impactful sequel.
Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons will take players through a magic-filled open world
Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons is an upcoming open-world RPG from Invoke Studios and Wizards of the Coast, set to release in 2027 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Players will explore the lands of Darkon as Kaatri, a character seeking to master forbidden magic to find a loved one, utilizing a variety of spells and melee combat.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Requires Raising Funds to Continue Through the Story
Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature a gameplay mechanic where players must accumulate a specific amount of capital to progress through the story. This can be achieved through various criminal activities, including organizing heists, robbing stores, and stealing/selling cars, with different approaches offering varying risks and rewards. The game is set to launch on November 19th for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword Could Make Linear Exploration Exciting Again
Onimusha: Way of the Sword aims to revitalize linear action-adventure gameplay by blending focused combat and puzzle-solving with optional exploration in its open-town sections. Director Satoru Nihei emphasizes skill-based mechanics like parrying and Issen, contrasting it with Souls-like difficulty. The game is set to launch on September 4th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
GTA 6’s Leonida is So Massive Even Its Developers Haven’t Seen All Of It, Per Rockstar
Rockstar North studio co-head Rob Nelson stated that Grand Theft Auto 6 is so vast that it's unlikely any single developer has experienced its entirety. The game's immense scale, even with potential cut features, suggests a deep and expansive world for players to explore upon its release.
The Blood of Dawnwalker review - worthy to sip blood at the top RPGs' table
The Blood of Dawnwalker is a worthy addition to the RPG genre, drawing clear inspiration from CD Projekt Red's The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077. Developed by Rebel Wolves, the game features a compelling day/night cycle that impacts combat and abilities, a deep narrative with player choice, and engaging open-world elements. While some combat mechanics can be janky, the overall experience is highly praised.
GTA 6 is so big, Rockstar doesn't "know that there's anybody on the team that knows all of it"
Rockstar Games' Rob Nelson stated that Grand Theft Auto VI is so vast that no single team member may have experienced its entirety. The studio aims to evolve its signature open-world design while retaining core elements that resonate with players. The game is set to launch in November.
The Blood of Dawnwalker Review – In the right vein
The Blood of Dawnwalker is a debut action RPG from Rebel Wolves that offers a compelling narrative and characters, but suffers from uneven gameplay mechanics and performance issues. The game features a unique time-tracking system and a focus on combat, but struggles with enemy variety and questline connectivity. Despite its flaws, the strong story and world-building make it a promising start for a potential new saga.
Fable Reboot’s Main Story Is About 20 Hours Long, Dev Says
Playground Games has stated that the main story of the upcoming Fable reboot will take approximately 15-20 hours to complete, with an additional 15-20 hours of side content and open-world exploration. The developers also mentioned that the life simulation aspects of the game are designed to be played indefinitely. The Fable reboot is scheduled to launch on February 23, 2027, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Metro 2039 devs say "it never feels good" to see gameplay leaks, but promise the FPS will have been worth the…
4A Games executive producer Jon Bloch stated that gameplay leaks for Metro 2039 are frustrating but have not impacted the game's development. The studio experienced a significant leak of a canceled open-world iteration of the game before its official reveal. Despite the challenges, including the war in Ukraine, Bloch assures that the final product, launching in February 2027 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X, will be worth the extended development time.
Fable’s Story Takes 15 to 20 Hours to Complete, But Its Life Systems Are “Limitless,” Says Playground
Playground Games' Fable is estimated to take 15 to 20 hours for its main story, with an additional 15 to 20 hours for side content. Associate game directors Will Kennedy and Craig Littler highlighted the game's "limitless" life systems, such as interacting with NPCs, property ownership, and family building, as a key feature for long-term engagement. The game is set to launch on February 23rd, 2027, for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Thanks to a dedicated team 'art-directing' every single NPC, GTA 6 has over 10 times as many unique animations…
Rockstar Games has revealed that Grand Theft Auto 6 features over 600,000 unique animations, more than ten times the amount in Grand Theft Auto 5 and double that of Red Dead Redemption 2. This extensive animation work, including detailed NPC and environmental art direction, contributes to the game's unprecedented scale and fidelity.
Coming Out in gaming this week — August 31, 2026
This week's gaming releases include a variety of titles across multiple platforms. Highlights include the co-op adventure WheelMates, the action-RPG Crimson Moon, and the puzzle game He Who Watches, all launching on September 1st and 2nd. The article also previews Orbitals, praising its anime-inspired art style and split-screen mechanics.
Rolic – Beta Sign Up | Alpha Beta Gamer
Rolic is a cozy 3D puzzle platformer set in a magical open world where players use algebraic wizardry to solve mysteries. The game involves scooting and gliding through vibrant lands, manipulating the world with mathematical mechanics, and helping quirky characters restore balance to nature. Beta sign-ups are currently available.
GTA 6 extended look: 20+ details that slipped past most viewers
An extended look at Grand Theft Auto 6 reveals over 20 details previously missed by viewers, including an expanded six-star Wanted system and a new Criminal Profile system similar to Red Dead Redemption 2's Honor system. The footage also showcases reworked gunplay, more involved carjacking mechanics, and a variety of side activities like basketball, racing, and wrestling.