Modern open and closed world games

Classifications

One of two classifications can define most modern console games, these classifications being open world and closed world games. Both have a unique appeal to specific audiances.

The open world

The open world game class often consists of what is reffered to as "sandbox games", which are known to offer expansive worlds for exploration on the player's own time. These worlds contribute to the game's story and theme, the world acting as much a character as the character the player directs through its terrain. It may take the player much time to fully explore this world, which is commonly riddled with quests and secrets to be discovered. Non playable characters roam in designated areas and may offer insight, while monsters or other enemies roam outside these areas. Open world titles are generally action or role playing in genre. They may offer strong visuals, though not as so as closed world games, and lack solid in depth gameplay.

The closed world

The closed world game class often consists of what is reffered to as "over the shoulder games" and "button mashers", which are known to present their worlds in levels. These worlds are not to be explored on the player's own time, though contributing to the game's story and theme and acting as much a character as the character the player directs through its challenges. Over the shoulder titles and button masher titles are commonly action or adventure games, applying in-depth gameplay and appealing graphics.

Summary

One of two classifications, they being open world and closed world, have been applied to modern console games, each with a unique appeal to an audiance.