open world

noun

plural open worlds

: a video game or part of a video game in which the player is not constrained to achieving specific goals and has a large degree of freedom to explore, interact with, or modify the game environment : sandbox sense 2a

The gameplay feels similar to other RPGs, and while it's an open world that allows you to do whatever you want for the most part, I do recommend accomplishing the first tasks of the recruitment quests early.

—Swapna Krishna

… you'll likely get swept in deep by the stellar narrative and the meticulously-crafted open world gameplay.

—Tanveer Singh

—sometimes hyphenated when used before another noun

Whether you're keen on open-world games where you've got masses of virtual space to explore or survival games where there are more threats to keep you on your toes, our list should help you make the right choice.

—Adrian Willings

Examples of open world in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Infinity Nikki is the latest gacha game taking over the world, with a gorgeous, cozy open world and lots of outfits to put in your digital wardrobe. —Rahul Majumdar, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

The relaxed action takes place in an open world of mushroom caverns, mossy boulevards, and flat wetlands, all rendered in a beautifully odd, Pop Art aesthetic. —Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024

Play as the rogue Kay Vess and explore an open world filled with sci-fi goodness that follows the familiar Ubisoft formula—for better or for worse. —Jade Chung-Lee, PCMAG, 3 Dec. 2024

Both ensure that Europe will thrive in an open world economy, a global order in which the World Trade Organization steadily removes barriers to trade and the International Monetary Fund guarantees relatively free and balanced flows of capital. —Matthias Matthijs, Foreign Affairs, 22 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

2003, in the meaning defined above