The History of Open-World Games
A brief history of Open-world games that are the most popular genres, including being in three of the top ten most-sold games of all time are from the same genre.
What is an open-world game?
An open-world game is a non-linear game design where players can freely traverse the world and visit its location, at any time.
Throughout the years, many open-world games have incorporated different features to the games, such as day/night and weather cycles. The A. I (artificial intelligence) and N.P.C of the game have gotten better through the years also.
In this article, I’ll try to tell some open-world games that revolutionized in the genre.
Adventure (1980)
One of the earliest games that helped to start the genre in a big way. Created for Atari 2600 by Warren Robirett. This game allowed players to explore a vast maze-like world and interact with various objects.
It laid the foundation for the open-world games that we know today.
The Legend of Zelda (1986)
Probably the most known game on my list was created by Nintendo. What made it unique was its open-word exploration of mythical land and puzzle-solving and battling monsters.
This title set new standards for the genre.
Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
It was created by Rockstar Games and was the first 3D game in the GTA franchise. It introduced to a living, breathing city. The players could engage in various activities, do missions, and explore a dynamic world.
The Elder Scroll IV Oblivion (2006)
The game that became a huge influence in the RPG genre took open-world gaming to a new level with its vast realm of Cyrodill.
A player can embark on an epic quest, explore ancient ruins, and shape their destiny in a meticulously crafted world.
The Witcher 3 (2015)
Another gem of a game from Rockstar which is considered to be a masterpiece by many. The Witcher 3 redefined storytelling in open-world games with its breathtaking landscapes, complex characters, and morally ambiguous choices.
It set a new standard for narrative-driven open-world experience.
Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
Lastly, created by Rockstar Games was a Western cowboy theme-based game. It transported its players to a gripping narrative with unparalleled attention to detail, thus creating a rich, living world where players could get lost for hours during the play.
Conclusion
The history of open-world games is a fascinating journey from simple pixelated worlds to vast, lifelike landscapes. These games have evolved significantly, offering players unparalleled freedom and immersion. With each new release, open-world games continue to redefine what is possible in the realm of gaming, and the future holds exciting possibilities for this genre.
