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Why Everyone's Talking About Checklists in Open-World Games

How the checklist conquered the open world, from Morrowind to Skyrim (Via: rockpapershotgun.com)

Image via: rockpapershotgun.com - How the checklist conquered the open world, from Morrowind to Skyrim

How Did the Open World Game Get So Boring?

There's no genre like the open world for inducing choice paralysis, so it's fitting that the author has been agonizing over how to begin this irregular article series on open world games for months. The open world genre, known for its vast landscapes and freedom of choice, has become a hot topic among gamers and developers alike.


The Interviews

The author has gathered oodles of interviews with developers of all shapes and sizes. Big shops like Remedy and CD Projekt, along with smaller studios like Ace Team and Awaceb, have shared their insights on various aspects of open world games. These range from whether Elden Ring or Zelda did bandit camps better, to how to make a forest feel endless.


A Mountain of Topics

There is so much you could talk about, so many trails heading off in all directions. The investigation stemmed from a more personal and superficial question: how did the open world game get so boring? Longtime fans of the genre may remember the sheer excitement and endless possibilities that once defined these games.


The Checklist Conundrum

A recurring theme in the discussions is the concept of the checklist - tasks and objectives that guide a player's progress. While they can provide useful direction, they may also lead to a sense of monotony and predictability, causing the player to feel like they are merely ticking off boxes rather than exploring a vibrant world.


Looking Forward

The author suggests that understanding how the genre has shifted from thrilling to methodical can pave the way to bring back the magic of open world games. By balancing structure with genuine exploration, developers can create worlds that once again captivate and inspire.


For a deeper dive into how the checklist conquered the open world, read the original article: original article



The Evolution of Open World Games: A Critical Examination

Open world games. Just saying the phrase gives me a little thrill. These games promise freedom, adventure, and boundless creativity. But let’s face it, as amazing as they can be, some of them have gotten boring. 😴 So, what happened? How did our beloved open worlds transform into checklists of repetitive tasks?


The Good, The Bad, and The Checklist

The term "open world" used to evoke a sense of limitless possibilities, much like wandering through a forest where every path leads to a new adventure. But somewhere along the line, that forest turned into a series of bandit camps dotting a map, each one a paint-by-numbers exercise.


The Magic of Discovery

Remember the first time you played games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim or Breath of the Wild? The thrill of discovering a hidden cave or a secret boss? That’s the stuff dreams are made of! But even these masterpieces occasionally stumble into the quagmire of fetch quests and repetitive side missions.


What Developers Think

I’ve been digging through interviews with devs from heavyweights like Remedy and CD Projekt to smaller studios such as Ace Team and Awaceb. Their insights are like rare loot in a hard-to-reach dungeon—pure gold. 🤩 It's fascinating to see how they wrestle with the balance between freedom and structure.


Too Much of a Good Thing?

Paradoxically, the quest for more content can often lead to less fulfillment. Games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Assassin's Creed Odyssey boast vast landscapes and intricate plots, but sometimes the sheer scope can be as overwhelming as it is enchanting. It's like a buffet where your eyes are bigger than your stomach.


The Role of Technology

Advancements in tech certainly contribute to this paradox. With the power to create sprawling, lifelike worlds, there's a temptation to pack them with activities. But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. The beauty of a walk in the woods is often in its simplicity, not in the number of items you can check off a list.


Finding the Sweet Spot

The great news is that many developers are aware of this and striving to recapture the magic. Games like The Witcher 3 and Ghost of Tsushima show that it's possible to combine expansive worlds with meaningful, story-driven content. It’s a balancing act, and one that's constantly evolving.


So, Where Do We Go From Here?

As gamers, we crave the awe-inspiring worlds of our dreams, worlds that blend exploration with rich, nuanced storytelling. The question is not just about making a forest feel endless but making it feel alive and worth exploring. It’s about rediscovering that spark of curiosity and wonder. 💫



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