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

In 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' the open world is wide open Auonuma has evidently changed his mind. —James Perkins Mastromarino, NPR, 21 June 2024

Meanwhile, the executive order that mirrors the CROWN act, which stands for creating a respectful and open world for natural hair, prohibits discrimination in the workplace against hairstyles historically associated with race. —Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 24 May 2024

That’s not to say there isn’t majesty in this open world. —Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 22 Feb. 2024

Today, the open world economy, which has bolstered global economic growth, is under threat. —Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

2003, in the meaning defined above