Open World
Ongoing coverage on Open World.
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Your game (probably) doesn’t need fishing
This article argues that fishing mechanics are often unnecessary and detract from the core experience in games unrelated to the sport. While acknowledging optional fishing in titles like Destiny 2 and Delta Force, the author criticizes its simplistic implementation and how it can become a mandatory activity for progression. The piece contrasts this with games where fishing feels natural, like Sea of Thieves or Red Dead Redemption 2, and suggests developers should reconsider adding fishing to genres where it doesn't fit.
Shack Chat: How do you plan to play GTA 6?
Several Shacknews staff members discuss their intended playstyles for Grand Theft Auto 6, exploring options from focusing on the narrative and character relationships to embracing pure chaos and exploring the game's numerous side activities. The discussion highlights the franchise's history of supporting diverse player approaches.
There’s one very important thing missing from GTA 6 - Reader's Feature
A reader's feature argues that Grand Theft Auto 6, despite its impressive graphics and vast world, is missing a crucial element: humor. The author feels that the dialogue and character interactions shown so far lack the wit and personality that defined previous Rockstar titles like Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, potentially making the game boring.
Ananta Hands On Impressions
Ananta, an upcoming open-world game with Metroidvania elements, is set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, and iOS. Early impressions suggest its massive open world could be a significant strength or a major drawback.
30 Open World Masterpieces You Need to Play - IGN30
This article presents a list of 30 essential open-world games that players should experience. The selection spans various subgenres within the open-world category, including superhero titles, action RPGs, and heist games.
The Blood of Dawnwalker Guide – 15 Tips and Tricks You Need to Know
This guide for The Blood of Dawnwalker offers 15 tips and tricks to help players navigate Vale Sangora efficiently within the 30-day time limit. It covers prioritizing quests, utilizing skill points, mastering combat mechanics like directional blocking, and leveraging unique abilities such as Shapeshift and Shadowstep for exploration and map control.
Crimson Desert’s First DLC Takes Players Beyond Pywel’s Shores in Charting the Unknown | Invision Game
Pearl Abyss announced that the first DLC for Crimson Desert, titled "Charting the Unknown," will launch on October 15, 2026. This expansion introduces naval exploration, new islands, underwater areas, and challenging combat. It also adds expanded housing, facility management, and deeper character relationships, along with new narrative threads. The DLC is priced at £19.99 / €24.99 and is available for pre-order on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Epic Games Store.
Crimson Desert Channels The Sims With Its Chartering The Unknown Expansion
Pearl Abyss announced that Crimson Desert's first major expansion, Chartering the Unknown, will launch in October and introduces life simulation elements akin to The Sims. The expansion adds underwater combat, building construction, and romance options to the open-world action RPG.
Final Fantasy VII Revelation Trailer Reveals Release Date, New Gameplay Systems
Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will launch on April 8, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. The game will feature an expanded open world explored via the Highwind airship, new playable characters Cid and Vincent, and the FITS combat system.
The first big Crimson Desert DLC arrives in October, seems to be set in a crimson desert beyond Crimson Desert's existing crimson desert
Pearl Abyss announced that the first major DLC for Crimson Desert, titled Charting the Unknown, will be released on October 15th. The expansion introduces a new region described as a 'second crimson desert' and features new mechanics such as building and decorating a mansion, romance options, and recruiting NPCs. The article expresses skepticism about the game's originality and its potential to retain player interest.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation gets a release date and a proper look at its airship overworld, which is cool, if in danger…
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation received a release date of April 8, 2027, and a gameplay trailer showcasing its airship overworld. While the feature is impressive, the article expresses concern over the trilogy's increasing time investment, estimating the full experience could reach 150 hours.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation gets April 2027 release date
Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the conclusion to the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy, will be released on April 8, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The game will feature extensive content including chocobo riding and expanded combat options, with no planned DLC for the main adventure.
The Blood of Dawnwalker: Feed Your Hunger Today!
Rebel Wolves has released a new trailer for their upcoming action RPG, The Blood of Dawnwalker, showcasing its story, world, and gameplay mechanics. Players will take on the role of Coen, a cursed 'Dawnwalker' who must fight for survival and save his family within 30 days. The game, built on Unreal Engine 5, will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation release date finally set for April, new trailer shows off open-world gameplay in the Wutai…
Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will launch on April 8, 2027, with a new trailer showcasing open-world gameplay and party members like Cid and Vincent. The release date is nearly seven years after Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
PlayStation State of Play live report - all of today's news from Sony's September 2026 showcases
Sony held two State of Play showcases, one focusing on upcoming PlayStation 5 titles and another dedicated to Japanese games. The events revealed new trailers and release dates for titles including Marvel's Wolverine, Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, Grand Theft Auto 6, and Until Dawn 2.
Maneater 2 Revealed, Trailer Shows Off Stylish New Gameplay
Tripwire Interactive has revealed Maneater 2 with a trailer showcasing new gameplay set in Neptune's Park, an underwater theme park. The sequel expands on the original's enjoyable mechanics, featuring a challenging ecosystem with hostile whales and piranhas, and an improved combat system.
Crimson Desert: Charting the Unknown DLC Announced, Launches on October 15th
Pearl Abyss has announced the first paid DLC for Crimson Desert, titled "Charting the Unknown," set to launch on October 15th. This expansion will introduce players to a new region beyond the desert, featuring underwater exploration, ship sailing, base building, and new boss encounters. The DLC will be available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
CD Projekt mystery games update: Yes, they're still happening, and no, not any time soon
CD Projekt has confirmed that its two mystery projects, codenamed Sirius and Hadar, are still in development but will not be released anytime soon. Sirius, a multiplayer game based on The Witcher universe, is in pre-production with ongoing testing, while Hadar, an original open-world property, remains in the concept phase. The company is looking to expand the development teams for both projects.
CD Projekt Red wants to hire 50 more devs for its secret Project Hadar "by the end of this year" as it starts…
CD Projekt Red is expanding the development team for its unannounced new IP, Project Hadar, aiming to reach 50 developers by the end of the year. While Hadar is in pre-production and prototyping, the studio's primary focus remains on The Witcher 4, which has a much larger team assigned and a targeted 2028 release date.
LOTR Fans Need To “Be Patient,” Kingdom Come Dev Says About New Middle-earth RPG
Warhorse Studios has stated that fans will need to be patient for more information regarding their upcoming open-world RPG set in Middle-earth. The developer, owned by Embracer, is also working on a new Kingdom Come game and movie. Other companies like Crystal Dynamics and Aspyr Media are also involved with The Lord of the Rings game properties.