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

Deliverance in February, set in a bigger open world that recreates 15th-century Bohemia with more immersive RPG systems while continuing Henry's story. —David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025

In the massive open world of the Lands Between, you're tasked with repairing the Erdtree, a mission that brings you into contact with a bevy of hideous enemies and weird supporting characters. —K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 2 Dec. 2024

If Washington rises to this moment, however, the United States can preside over an open world that will keep it safe and prosperous for decades to come. —Rebecca Friedman Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2020

More modes, such as online play and the open world, are expected to launch in the months following the initial release. —Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2003, in the meaning defined above