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======Open World====== {{:patterns:openworld-fallout3.png?direct&|}} [[games:fallout3|Fallout 3]] =====Description===== An open world is a game-defining superstructure in which the player is allowed to progress through the game in whatever order they choose, rather than forced to follow a [[patterns:linear_path|linear path]]. There may be a brief linear [[patterns:contextualizing_quests|tutorial]] level before the player is allowed to move freely. Some games allow the player to transfer freely between smaller sublevels, while others have a single level contain the entire game. Open worlds can give the player a great deal of freedom. This design choice requires additional guides, like [[patterns:bridge_quest|bridge quests]], [[patterns:soft_gate|soft gates]], and very specific [[patterns:nucleus|nuclei]] placement, to make sure the player is motivated to explore the majority of the map by more than just their own volition. =====Variables and Affordances===== * **Level of player guidance** (//Low <-> High//): A low amount of guidance means the player might miss a lot of content, while a high amount of guidance might be intrusive to the openness of the world. =====Examples===== * [[games:fallout3|Fallout 3]]. Open world in every sense, the map allows players to move freely between points of interest. * [[games:oblivion|Oblivion]]. Also a true open world, the player can move wherever they please. The difficulty of [[patterns:enemy|enemies]] is dynamically adjusted to the player can explore dungeons in whichever order they wish. * [[games:me|Mass Effect]]. An open world in design; the player travels between planets in a ship. However, the quest structure channels the player through the world following a linear story. =====Related Patterns===== * [[patterns:nucleus|Nucleus]]. Nuclei serve as the stopping places between quests in the world, and need to be placed purposefully within an open world. * [[patterns:Soft_gate|Soft Gates]]. Soft gates are good at guiding the player away from certain end-game areas without explicitly closing entire areas. =====Quest-Level Relationship===== * [[patterns:diamond_superstructure|Diamond Superstructure]] - Diamond superstructures fit nicely to the open world level superstructure. {{tag>level:Superstructure games:fallout3 games:oblivion games:me}}