Many companies utilize marketing research, like the kind at Research America, in order to determine how best to promote their products. When it comes to video games, open-world games sell like hotcakes regardless of the demographics. They allow players to go on vast adventures to a variety of different fictional worlds. But if you’ve never played an open-world game before, where should you start?
Red Dead Redemption 2
While Grand Theft Auto V is by far one of the most popular games ever—and it is a great game—we’re tired of Rockstar shoving it down our throats for the past decade. We’re ready to move on from the franchise until the next installment is released, but in the meantime, their latest game is still a masterpiece. Even though it was released back in 2018, Red Dead Redemption 2 has one of the best stories in the gaming industry. It’s what got us back into the western genre in the first place! It’s full of scheming, plotting, compelling characters that are morally grey, and exciting gameplay. The visuals of the world are beautiful, with dynamic weather that could have you staring at a beaming sunset one second and galloping on horseback through a thunderstorm the next.
The Fallout Franchise
Don’t get us wrong, Skyrim is an amazing game, and if you haven’t tried it out, somehow, you definitely should. However, as enticing as it is, Bethesda has milked the game for just about all it’s worth. Their Fallout franchise adopts a similar playstyle but is set in a post-apocalyptic world rather than a fantasy one. Players can craft items, discover interesting NPCs, explore unique dialogue options, level up their character for a playstyle that suits them, and listen to some of the best oldies the world has to offer. The games have huge maps with a variety of different places to explore, and you’ll likely get lost trying to see it all. And with three games—four if you want to count the monstrosity that was Fallout 76—you’ve got plenty of hours of gameplay to keep you busy.
The Witcher: Wild Hunt
While previous Witcher titles were certainly not bad by any means, the third edition to the franchise drops Geralt into an open world where the player can explore, fight bosses, discover hundreds of quests and stories, and find new and exciting weapons and crafting items. The soundtrack is one of the best in the industry, the voice acting is great, the writing is top-notch: how could you not love this game? Whether you’re a fan of the TV show or a newcomer, you should give this game a shot—just don’t expect to finish it anytime soon.
A Whole World to Explore
These are a few of the best open-world games the gaming industry has to offer, but there are plenty of others to choose from: Horizon: Forbidden West, Spider-Man, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and many more. If you’re looking for a creative world to get lost in, these are great places to start.