Open World
Ongoing coverage on Open World.
Latest coverage
The Blood of Dawnwalker Could Make RPG Choices Matter Again
The Blood of Dawnwalker aims to revitalize choice and consequence in open-world action RPGs, a feature many recent titles have lacked. Developed by Rebel Wolves, featuring veterans from CD Projekt RED, the game emphasizes meaningful player decisions that impact the narrative, drawing comparisons to classics like Fallout and The Witcher 3. The game is set to launch on September 3rd and promises a 50-hour playthrough with a focus on replayability and player agency.
From top-down crime capers to online open-world heists, GTA has defined play freedom across gaming generations
This article traces the evolution of the Grand Theft Auto series, from its top-down origins to the groundbreaking 3D open-world experiences that defined generations of gaming. It highlights key titles like Grand Theft Auto 3, Vice City, San Andreas, and GTA 5, emphasizing how each installment pushed the boundaries of player freedom and open-world design, setting the stage for the anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6.
Crimson Desert update overhauls the game's economy with 133 new trading posts and trade goods that change in price
Crimson Desert has received a significant update overhauling its in-game economy with 133 new trading posts and dynamic pricing. Developer Pearl Abyss has introduced new trade goods, adjusted prices based on supply and demand, and added features like a 'Claim Bank Strongbox' for investing bonds. The update also includes map filters to help players navigate the expanded trading network.
Why does nobody like racing video games anymore? - Reader's Feature
A reader explores the decline of the racing game genre, noting the shift from popular arcade titles like Need For Speed and Burnout to more niche simulators. While Forza Horizon remains a success, the author questions why the genre has lost mainstream appeal, suggesting it may be overshadowed by open-world games or a general lack of innovation.
Countdown to GTA 6 with GamesRadar+
GamesRadar+ has launched a "Countdown to GTA 6" initiative, dedicating coverage to the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6, scheduled for November 19 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The initiative will also celebrate Grand Theft Auto 5's anniversary and explore the franchise's legacy. Editor-in-Chief Josh West will lead the coverage, promising new articles weekly.
Predicting the 5 biggest GTA 6 reveals that we should see in the next 100 days
With Grand Theft Auto 6 set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the next 100 days are expected to bring significant reveals. Predictions include a gameplay showcase in August, a deep dive into the living world in September, potential news on GTA Online in October, previews in October, and a final story trailer in November. Rockstar Games is anticipated to ramp up marketing efforts significantly before the release.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director knows players "got a little bit of tired" of side quests in the JRPG's massive open world and might have "stepped away"
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's director, Naoki Hamaguchi, acknowledges that the game's massive open world may have led to player fatigue with its numerous side quests. He suggests that the sheer volume of content and the need to complete certain activities for rewards might have caused some players to disengage. Hamaguchi indicates that future installments, like Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, will aim for a more curated experience.
Grand Theft Auto – The Legacy Review
The original Grand Theft Auto offered a groundbreaking open-world experience that, while demanding patience and precision, laid the foundation for future titles. Its legacy is fascinating when viewed in the context of modern gaming.
Cyberpunk 2077 in 2026: still alive, and still iconic
Cyberpunk 2077 is presented as a success story in 2026, highlighting its redemption arc after a troubled launch. The article emphasizes that the game is now a completed product, with its expansion Phantom Liberty being particularly praised. Lead Quest Designer Sarah Gruemmer discusses the game's improvements and its enduring appeal, suggesting it remains a worthwhile experience for new and returning players.
20 years ago, Dead Rising showed a different path for open worlds, and more games should pinch its ideas
Twenty years after its release, Dead Rising's unique approach to open-world design, featuring a strict time limit and dynamic events, is highlighted as a missed opportunity for innovation in modern games. Unlike contemporaries like Oblivion, Dead Rising's world progressed independently of player actions, creating a sense of urgency and replayability through its New Game+ system. While many open-world games have since adopted a more static, player-driven timeline, Dead Rising's time-sensitive structure and focus on emergent gameplay remain a fertile ground for fresh ideas.
Open-world D&D game Warlock casts iconic Baldur's Gate 3 and Resident Evil Village actor as an evil archmage, and after Orin and Lady Dimitrescu I couldn't be more excited
Wizards of the Coast's upcoming open-world Dungeons & Dragons game, Warlock, has added Maggie Robertson, known for her roles as Orin the Red in Baldur's Gate 3 and Lady Dimitrescu in Resident Evil Village, to voice the archmage Tasha. Tricia Helfer will voice the protagonist Kaatri. The game, developed by Invoke Studios, is expected in 2027 and will be a single-player experience distinct from turn-based titles.
Surprise Hit 2026 Korean RPG Coming to PlayStation
Developer Hound13 announced that its hit Korean RPG, DragonSword: Awakening, will be released on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch in the future, following its successful PC launch. The game, which sold over 200,000 units in its first week, features an open world, companion recruitment, and tag-team battles against a reawakened dragon.
9 Yin Sutra - Immortal Announced
Snail Games has announced 9 Yin Sutra - Immortal, an open-world cultivation sandbox game inspired by Chinese history. The game is being built on Unreal Engine 5, with an official trailer showcasing its features.
Move over, Assassin's Creed Resynced, you've made me fall in love with AC Shadows
This article discusses how Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced's impressive water physics and immersive world led the author to re-evaluate Assassin's Creed Shadows. Despite initial reservations, the author found Shadows to be visually stunning, with engaging stealth gameplay and castle raids, though some aspects like base building and narrative cohesion were less compelling.
Crimson Desert player tags along with a flying clay pot to the end of the world
A player in Crimson Desert discovered a glitch where a flying clay pot allowed them to travel to the edge of the game's world. The player followed the pot, eventually reaching an invisible barrier that triggered a 'cannot enter this region' message before a red fog consumed the screen, returning the player to a safe area.
"Our bosses would have stopped us," if PS2's Spider-Man was made today, says director: "There were several months of us telling our bosses 'Don't look at it yet! Don't look at it yet!'"
Former Treyarch developers Jamie Fristrom and Tomo Moriwaki discuss the challenging development of the original Spider-Man and the groundbreaking innovations in Spider-Man 2. They highlight how the team pushed boundaries with fluid web-swinging mechanics and open-world design, facing internal resistance and tight deadlines, which they believe would be impossible with today's industry standards and publisher oversight.
DragonSword: Awakening coming to Nintendo
Hound13 has confirmed that DragonSword: Awakening will be ported to an unspecified Nintendo console, following its successful PC launch where it sold over 200,000 units in its first week. The game features an anime-style open world built with Unreal Engine 5, tag-team combat with status ailments, and a narrative focused on a young boy destined to save the continent.
‘I Have a Personal Vendetta Against Filler Content’ – How The Blood of Dawnwalker Makes Its Open World Feel Meaningful
Developer Rebel Wolves discusses their approach to open-world design in The Blood of Dawnwalker, focusing on creating meaningful activities and deep lore to avoid 'filler content'. The studio aims to make every element of the game world feel purposeful and engaging for players.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced proves open-world games were already the perfect size 13 years ago
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced is highlighted as a successful example of open-world game design, demonstrating that density and focused mechanics are more effective than sheer size. The article contrasts its balanced scope with larger, more mechanically overloaded games, suggesting a return to more curated open-world experiences is desirable.
Anticipated PlayStation 5 Open World Game Gets New Trailer, Closed Network Test
Sega has released a new trailer for the anticipated PlayStation 5 open-world game, Crazy Taxi: World Tour, showcasing its West Coast map. The company also announced a closed network test for the game's multiplayer modes, Pickup Race and Cops 'N' Cabbies, which will run from September 11-13, 2026. Applications for the test are open until August 31, 2026, with the full game set to launch in 2027.
