The History of Open-World Video Games: A Timeline from 1976 to 2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18537/mskn.16.01.07Keywords:
game design, entrepreneurship, open world, video game history, game studiesAbstract
This article analyzes the evolution of open-world video games from their origins to 2023, establishing a chronology that contextualizes their development in relation to technological advancements and industry trends. By examining the release pace, the study explores the progression of the open-world model and its consolidation across different console generations. A comparative approach is employed, linking the evolution of these games to hardware capabilities. Verification criteria were applied through the analysis of specialized sources and player discussions to ensure the coherence of the selected titles. The results indicate that the expansion of open-world games has been strongly tied to platform power, although it also reflects shifts in industry preferences. The recent decline in their release frequency suggests a potential transition in their design and consumption.
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