Open World
Ongoing coverage on Open World.
Latest coverage
Every Crimson Desert Puzzle Feels Like a New Mental Test
This article discusses the intricate and often challenging puzzle design within Crimson Desert, highlighting how the game expects players to deduce solutions without explicit guidance. While this approach can be refreshing and immersive, it also risks frustrating players who may lack the time or patience for such demanding mental tests. The author contrasts this with more traditional open-world puzzles and notes that while the ambition is commendable, the execution can sometimes lead to friction between player patience and the game's design.
Why Crimson Desert’s Story Feels So Disjointed
This article analyzes the disjointed narrative of Crimson Desert, attributing its shortcomings to the game's shifting development goals and ambitious scope. While the open world and side content are praised, the main story struggles with cohesion between its various plot threads and characters, such as Kliff, Damiane, and Oongka. Voice actor Alex Newman's comments further highlight the challenges faced during development.
Mortal Shell II Shows Off Updated Gameplay And More In New Showcase
Mortal Shell II received a new 12-minute gameplay showcase revealing its compact open-world map, new shells like The Acolyte Tiel, The Venerable Eredrim, and The Broodseeker Proxima, and various environments. A physical "Revered Edition" featuring an artbook, steelbook, and prints will launch on PlayStation 5 in 2026, coinciding with the digital release on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Pre-orders for both standard and Revered editions include exclusive Obsidian and Skeletal Harbinger skins.
Nearly 2 weeks after Crimson Desert's launch, tons of players are still in the first region: "136 hours in the…
Despite being released nearly two weeks ago, many players are still exploring the first region of Crimson Desert, with some reporting over 130 hours played without leaving it. The game has sold three million copies in five days, and its massive scope is a frequent topic of discussion among players and even its PR director.
Billy the pickpocket is the unluckiest man in Crimson Desert
Crimson Desert introduces players to its bounty system through an encounter with a pickpocket named Billy in the town of Hernand. This organic introduction allows players to naturally engage with the bounty system by chasing down Billy after he attempts to steal from them. The article suggests that players might consider letting Billy go, as he only steals a small amount of currency and may be struggling financially.
Crimson Desert's less than ideal launch is a distant memory as it hits the 4 million sales milestone
Pearl Abyss announced that Crimson Desert has sold over 4 million copies worldwide in less than two weeks. Despite some initial divisive design choices, jank, and performance issues, the open-world game has achieved a Very Positive user review rating on Steam. The studio is actively releasing updates and hotfixes to address ongoing issues, including ray tracing performance and control schemes.
Kingdom Come-studion sägs göra ett Lord of the Rings-spel
Rumors suggest that Warhorse Studios, known for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, is developing an open-world game based on The Lord of the Rings, aiming to rival Hogwarts Legacy. Another rumor points to Crystal Dynamics as the developer, with Saudi Arabian funding involved in both potential projects. Embracer Group, which owns the Lord of the Rings game rights, has declined to comment.
Rumour: Deus Ex Dev Spent Hundreds of Millions on an Open World Action Game Before Mass Layoffs Hit
Eidos Montreal reportedly spent hundreds of millions of dollars on an open-world action game codenamed P11, which was nearly complete before its cancellation. This cancellation, alongside mass layoffs affecting 124 employees, occurred after the studio was sold to Embracer Group in 2022. The troubled project reportedly went through four different game engines during its development.
Crimson Desert smashes another sales milestone, less than two weeks since its release
Pearl Abyss announced that Crimson Desert has sold 4 million copies worldwide since its release on March 19. The open-world action RPG had previously sold 2 million copies in its first 24 hours and 3 million in five days. The developer has also released patches addressing player feedback on controls, AI art usage, performance, and stability.
Mortal Shell 2 Gameplay Debut Introduces Three New Ways To Survive The Nightmare
Mortal Shell 2 developer Cold Symmetry has revealed the first gameplay trailer, showcasing three new playable "Shells" and an open-world environment in Fallgrim. The sequel will feature over 60 dungeons and is a standalone experience. A collector's edition exclusive to PlayStation 5 owners has been announced, with the game set to release later this year for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Crimson Desert Surpasses Four Million Sales Worldwide
Pearl Abyss announced that Crimson Desert has sold over four million units worldwide. The open-world action-adventure game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. The game features extensive exploration, combat, and life-sim activities across five distinct regions.
Goddess of Victory: NIKKE April Fools’ Trailer Reveals Joke “NIKKE WORLD 2.0” 3D Open-World Update; Worth
Level Infinite and SHIFT UP released a joke trailer for Goddess of Victory: NIKKE, announcing a fictional "NIKKE WORLD 2.0" update that reimagines the game as a 3D open-world experience. Game director Yoo Hyung-Suk outlined a supposed 10-year roadmap featuring exaggerated concepts like open-world exploration, a redesigned 3D combat system, and absurd additions like a "Doro Pet System." A limited-time in-game event with altered combat rules and temporary shop will also be available on April 1st.
Why Saying Crimson Desert Is “Boring” Early On Misses the Point
This article argues that criticisms of Crimson Desert's slow early hours miss the point of its deliberate pacing and gradual world-building. While acknowledging the game's initial clunkiness and lack of immediate spectacle, the author contends that its strength lies in a slow burn that respects player discovery and allows for a deeper appreciation of its nuanced open world.
15 Things Crimson Desert Secretly Lets You Do
Crimson Desert offers numerous hidden mechanics that enhance gameplay, such as armoring pets, faster fast travel, using Axiom Force for traversal and combat, summoning allies, easier mining, and unique bounty hunting methods. Players can also steal gold bars from nobles, toggle hoods and visors, use their sword for more than just combat, and save money on horse healing supplies. The game also features stealth mechanics like hiding in haystacks and trees.
Mortal Shell 2 Showcases Three Shells, Brutal Combat and Open World in New Gameplay Reveal
Cold Symmetry has revealed new gameplay for Mortal Shell 2, a standalone sequel to the Souls-like action RPG. The showcase highlights three distinct "Shells" players can inhabit, each with unique abilities, and features brutal combat, dodge-rolling, riposting, and even firearms. Mortal Shell 2 is set to launch this year for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with an open beta planned for PC this Summer.
TOM CLANCY’S THE DIVISION® RESURGENCE NOW AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE ON IOS AND ANDROID DEVICES
Ubisoft has announced the worldwide release of Tom Clancy's The Division Resurgence, a free-to-play third-person RPG shooter, on iOS and Android devices. Set between the events of The Division and The Division 2, the game features a new standalone campaign where players act as Division agents during a Green Poison outbreak in New York City. The game offers extensive RPG progression, customizable gear, and various activities including a Dark Zone and PvP modes.
'The open world is big for mobile, but it's like 60 to 70% of The Division 1' reveals Resurgence…
Tom Clancy's The Division Resurgence executive producer Fabrice Navrez stated the mobile game's open world is 60-70% the size of the original Tom Clancy's The Division. The team focused on optimizing visuals for mobile devices, ensuring a stable 30fps on mid-range and older phones while maintaining the series' realistic feel. The free-to-play title is now available on Android and iOS.
The Next Big Cozy Hit: Outbound Demo Arrives on PS5 & Xbox Series X|S
The demo for the cozy open-world camper adventure game Outbound is now available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, following its PC release and a recent update to the Nintendo Switch 2 demo. Developed by Square Glade Games and published by Silver Lining Interactive, the full game is set to launch on April 23, 2026, for PC and consoles.
The Lord of the Rings RPG is Being Made at Warhorse Studios – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Warhorse Studios, known for Kingdom Come: Deliverance, is developing an open-world RPG set in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings universe. This project is reportedly connected to Embracer Group, which holds the game adaptation rights, and may have received significant funding from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. The game is expected to compete with Hogwarts Legacy in the fantasy open-world genre.
Forza Horizon 6 Hands-On Previews Go Live on April 8th
Hands-on previews for Forza Horizon 6 are set to go live on April 8th, offering an early look at the game's Japanese setting. The open-world racer, launching May 19th for Xbox Series X/S and PC, will also be available on PlayStation later this year. Recent trailers have showcased returning cars, new Showcase events, and details about Tokyo.
