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[RCU005]

I imagine you've noticed, but the vast majority of games nowadays are open world. Even Mario Kart is doing it now.

Developers might think that in order for you to buy a game, it needs to be as big as it can be. It doesn't matter if the world is empty, the AI is not as good, there is not much to do, but hey, look at how big it is!

I remember there was backlash in the PS3/360 that people started complaining about 8h linear games and lack of replay-ability. Did developers get stuck with that trauma?

I guess that games should indeed be bigger, but it doesn't necessarily have to mean about map size. You could have a small town/area, but with dense population, better activities, etc. I mean, as great as Breath of the Wild was, its story was very lack luster because of the openness. It would've definitely been better if it was more linear.

However, the most important thing is that both linear and open world (and in-between) should be able to co-exist. Specially right now that Nintendo is forcing to go back to variable pricing. But then, which games deserve to be which price?

I don't know if I'm in the minority, but I love single player games, and also linear. I will always cherish exciting experiences like Uncharted 2, Dead Space, Killzone 2, etc.

Is linear but great a good value?
Is open world but "so-so" good value only because it's bigger?

With all this said, I'm afraid gaming is becoming live service, and I'm going to have to move on from it, though.

 

[Danjin44]

The only thing that justifies any game is if I enjoyed the game or not, being open world or linear make zero difference to me.

 

[kiphalfton]

Hell no

Quality > Quantity

It's like going to a buffet. Most suck, but the novelty of them entices people.

 

[semiconscious]

nope. a highly replayable game beats an open-world game every time...

 

[StereoVsn]

No, but 8 hours games with low replay value will have a hard time justifying $70-80.

 

[Snakeeyes646]

No, Games with extensive story lines, multiple characters, diverse environments, and replayable content may justify a higher price. Innovative and engaging gameplay can also contribute to a higher perceived value and justify a premium price A high price for a game can be justified by significant development costs, or the perceived value to the player. High-budget games with intricate storylines, detailed graphics, and numerous features often have higher prices to reflect their extensive production. Additionally, games with unique gameplay mechanics, replayability, and strong community support can also justify a higher price point.

The size of the world the game is set in doesn't matter much at all if its held together well and is engaging.

 

[kremit]

I imagine you've noticed, but the vast majority of games nowadays are open world. Even Mario Kart is doing it now.

Developers might think that in order for you to buy a game, it needs to be as big as it can be. It doesn't matter if the world is empty, the AI is not as good, there is not much to do, but hey, look at how big it is!

I remember there was backlash in the PS3/360 that people started complaining about 8h linear games and lack of replay-ability. Did developers get stuck with that trauma?

I guess that games should indeed be bigger, but it doesn't necessarily have to mean about map size. You could have a small town/area, but with dense population, better activities, etc. I mean, as great as Breath of the Wild was, its story was very lack luster because of the openness. It would've definitely been better if it was more linear.

However, the most important thing is that both linear and open world (and in-between) should be able to co-exist. Specially right now that Nintendo is forcing to go back to variable pricing. But then, which games deserve to be which price?

I don't know if I'm in the minority, but I love single player games, and also linear. I will always cherish exciting experiences like Uncharted 2, Dead Space, Killzone 2, etc.

Is linear but great a good value?
Is open world but "so-so" good value only because it's bigger?

With all this said, I'm afraid gaming is becoming live service, and I'm going to have to move on from it, though.

Open world games are a trend, assisted by the fact that only recently has Open World games become easier to make to a good standard

No, that does not mean games like Rayman 2 or more modern examples like Detroit:Become Human don't have there merits

 

[Dacvak]

Great takes in this thread, overall. Couldn't say it any better, quality > quantity. And replayability is usually a significant factor, too.

 

[Crayon]

jfc. Find something that's NOT. There are many many games.

Way too many only want aaa mass market super graphics megahype games, but want those to serve their enthusiast sensibilities.

"Back in the day" there were no "aaa" $200,000,000 games that are intended to sell 12 million copies or fail. That's a relatively late development. It's like you only want summer blockbusters and won't look elsewhere when you get tired of them.

 

[seething left]

I love Yakuza/LaD/Judgment games. Same good old small Kamurocho in almost every game. And I'm still super excited about every new game, because the story is usually great and the side-quests are amazing. Still worth every dollar to me. No need for a game to be a huge open world game to justify the price.

 

[PlayStaytion]

Games with wide view point doesn't necessarily qualify as open world like Halo 5 and other similar games, I'd say gameplay mechanics/system/complexity is the biggest factor, anything else is secondary.

 

[DragonNCM]

Open world games you say ?
Like AC AAA bullshit generic quests deserve full price ?
Hell they don't !!!

 

[EverydayBeast]

Restrain yourself and play a open world game in a linear style, rule #2 ignore looting rule #3 ignore stupid fetch side quests

 

[IAmRei]

Depend on the game actually, as mario kart player, i think open world and tons of new contents are worth it IMO
Wildland and BoTW ToTK are also worthed more as the contents are stellar.
Yakuza, even it's small if compared to open world crime games, still had tons of contents.

Replaybility can also led to lof of playtimes, and that's also worthy as well.

so, TLDR : depends

 

[StreetsofBeige]

Quality + Quantity combo >>>>> Quality or Quantity by itself