Open World
Ongoing coverage on Open World.
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GTA 4 producer Leslie Benzies wanted NPCs "to have their own lives," former Rockstar lead says, but "it ended up being so problematic" and didn't "really matter that much"
Former Rockstar Games producer Leslie Benzies envisioned Grand Theft Auto 4's NPCs having individual lives and schedules, but technical lead Obbe Vermeij stated the feature was too problematic and ultimately didn't significantly enhance the player experience. Vermeij suggested that players are generally accepting of less complex NPC behavior and that realism isn't always the primary goal in game design.
The Witcher 3 lead says designing for player curiosity "really came to haunt us" when making sure it felt like…
CD Projekt Red quest designer Philipp Weber discussed how early design choices for NPC schedules in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, focused on realism, created unexpected challenges. The team prioritized simulating believable daily routines over immediate player reactions, leading to humorous situations like NPCs dropping babies. Weber noted that creating such detailed NPC behaviors was more difficult in earlier development stages compared to current practices.
Revisiting Grand Theft Auto 2: Anywhere City And The Sequel That Fixed Everything Except Itself
This article revisits Grand Theft Auto 2, highlighting its improvements over the original, such as a save system and refined gameplay mechanics. Despite these enhancements, the author finds the game's retro-futuristic setting and inconsistent art style unappealing, especially when compared to contemporary titles like Driver.
Aniimo Sets September 15 Launch: A Free Open-World Creature-Collector With Zelda And Animal Crossing Vibes
Aniimo, a free open-world creature-collecting RPG from Pawprint Interactive, is set to launch on September 15 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, iOS, and Android. The game features real-time combat and an open-world map, drawing comparisons to Pokémon, Palworld, The Legend of Zelda, and Animal Crossing. Special editions with bonus in-game items are available for pre-order.
Grand Auto Thief - Free Online Browser Game
Grand Auto Thief is a browser-based, open-world action game built entirely with HTML5 Canvas and JavaScript by happystoner5420 Games. It features a procedurally generated city, dynamic systems for traffic and pedestrians, and a full GTA-style crime simulation experience with various weapons and a wanted system. The game runs offline and demonstrates advanced techniques in procedural generation, AI, and audio synthesis.
Popular PlayStation 5 Shooter Gets Free Update Soon With Updated Graphics & More
GSC Game World announced that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl will receive a free Update 2.0 on August 20, 2026, for PlayStation 5. This update includes graphical enhancements, new weapons, and custom difficulty options. The first major DLC, "Cost of Hope," will also launch on the same day, focusing on the conflict between the Duty and Freedom factions.
I love the Dark Soulful architecture of The Canon of Balls, a rolling open world game inspired by Sega, Fumito Ueda and Minecraft parkour
The Canon of Balls is a new open-world platformer inspired by Dark Souls, Super Monkey Ball, Shadow of the Colossus, and Minecraft parkour. Players control a statue's face with a tongue inside a rolling cage, navigating intricate, unforgiving environments. Developed by Helios Monk, the game aims for a unique, abrasive aesthetic and a non-modular open world, launching on PC via Steam.
Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition Announced, Includes New Echoes of Sekigahara Expansion — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced the Ghost of Yōtei Complete Edition for PlayStation 5, which includes the new 'Echoes of Sekigahara' expansion and a new 'Most Wanted' roguelike survival mode. The expansion adds new story content set during the Battle of Sekigahara and a new area in the present day. The Complete Edition will be available on October 2, with upgrade options for existing owners.
Last Drop är den finska sandlåda vi alla drömt om
Lokhare Games' open-world sandbox title, Last Drop, is set to launch in early access on August 18th. The game, which takes place in Finland in 1994, features exploration on foot and in period-accurate cars, mission-based gameplay, and combat inspired by fighting games. A demo is currently available.
Mortal Shell 2 Is Proof Open Worlds Don’t Need to Be Massive
Mortal Shell 2's open world design prioritizes a compact, interconnected experience over massive scale, aiming to respect player time and deliver a focused narrative. This approach contrasts with games like Elden Ring, with developers Cold Symmetry emphasizing deliberate exploration and unique environments. The game is set to launch on August 20th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Crescent County revealed for Nintendo Switch 2
Kinetic Publishing and Electric Saint have revealed Crescent County, a slice-of-life game set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 in Summer 2027. Players will explore a witch-tech open world as Lu, a young adult navigating a new place, focusing on motorbroom deliveries, customization, racing, and forming relationships.
Marvel’s Wolverine Is Doing the Smart Thing by Avoiding Open World
This article argues that Insomniac Games' decision to make Marvel's Wolverine a linear experience rather than an open world is a smart choice that plays to the character's strengths. The author believes a more focused design will allow for more intimate storytelling, better combat encounters, and more authentic traversal, avoiding the pitfalls of repetitive open-world design.
GTA 6 Is 100 Days Away, And We Have 100 Questions
Grand Theft Auto 6 is now 100 days away from its November 19 release date on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Rockstar Games has released two trailers but has remained largely silent on gameplay specifics, story details, and the future of GTA Online. An extended look at the game is promised for August 27 via Netflix.
Lights, Sirens, Action – Autobahn Police Simulator 4 Unveiled!
Autobahn Police Simulator 4 has been revealed by Aerosoft and Z-Software, set to launch in 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. This installment promises the largest world yet, featuring an expanded open-world map combining Autobahn, country roads, and urban areas, alongside new vehicles and a deeper career progression system.
Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember Features Wall-Running and A New Combat Mechanic That Eschews Deflection
Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember, developed by Team Ninja, will introduce significant changes including wall-running, aerial combat, and a new mechanic that moves away from pure deflection. The sequel aims to address shortcomings of its predecessor with improved boss AI and an open-world structure, targeting an early 2027 release for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
20% rabatt på ISK-tshirt #5 - den med SULFUR
SULFUR, an indie action game, has received a review highlighting its unique premise of a cheese protagonist. The article also touches upon other game releases and industry topics, including Peak's final update, Serious Sam: Shatterverse, and the implications of not owning digital games.
FZ High Score - Säsongsuppdatering
The FZ High Score program is concluding its summer season with a recap of the top scores and a look at the winning contestant. The article also features reviews for games like SULFUR and Halo: Campaign Evolved, alongside discussions on open-world games and gaming hardware.
Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember is Changing the Morale System to Accommodate Its Open World
Team Ninja is adjusting the morale system for Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember to better suit its new open-world design, moving away from the previous flag-based progression. The game, set to release in Q1 2027 for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch, will also feature a dynamic battlefield where player actions influence outcomes and alleviate exploration monotony.
Tencent's cyberpunk rival to Grand Theft Auto is in trouble as its developer lays off 80 people
Tencent's ambitious cyberpunk open-world game, Last Sentinel, is reportedly in trouble as developer Lightspeed LA has laid off 80 employees. Publisher Tencent has lost confidence in the project, which has been in development for six years and faced multiple delays and reboots. While not officially cancelled, Lightspeed LA is now working on the game without Tencent's backing and plans to shift its creative direction.
Diskutera: Vilken spelvärld har du tillbringat mest tid i?
This article discusses which game worlds players have spent the most time in, citing examples like Azeroth from World of Warcraft, Skyrim, and Los Santos from Grand Theft Auto V. It prompts readers to consider what keeps them engaged in a virtual world, whether it's the environment, activities, friends, or a sense of home.