The world of gaming has been enchanted by the allure of open worlds for decades. These expansive virtual realms, where players are free to explore and shape their own destiny, have become a staple of modern gaming. But the question remains, who pioneered this revolutionary concept? Was it the legendary Zelda series, or did another game blaze the trail? In this captivating exploration, we’ll delve into the origins of open world gaming and uncover the truth behind this enduring debate. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the game that changed everything, and unravel the mystery of who was truly first in the realm of open world gaming.

The Evolution of Open World Games

Early Open World Games

• 1984: The Legend of Zelda
  • A groundbreaking action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
  • Players take on the role of Link, who must explore the land of Hyrule, defeat monsters, and solve puzzles to rescue Princess Zelda and save the kingdom from the evil sorcerer, Ganon.
  • The game featured a vast overworld to explore, with hidden items and secrets to discover, as well as dungeons to conquer, which added to the game’s non-linear gameplay.
  • The game’s success led to the creation of an entire franchise, with numerous sequels and spin-offs, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of open world gaming.
• 1986: Elite
  • A space trading and combat simulation game developed by David Braben and Ian Bell for the BBC Micro and Acorn Electron computers.
  • Players pilot a spacecraft and engage in trading, bounty hunting, and combat missions in a vast, procedurally generated galaxy.
  • The game’s open world design allowed players to explore and interact with various planets, factions, and characters, creating a unique and immersive gaming experience.
  • Elite’s influence can be seen in many later open world games, particularly in the space exploration and trading genres.
• 1990: Ultima VI
  • A fantasy role-playing game developed and published by Origin Systems for the Apple II, Commodore 64, and PC platforms.
  • The game features a large, open world for players to explore, including towns, dungeons, and wilderness areas, with non-linear gameplay and multiple paths to completing quests.
  • Players take on the role of the Avatar, a hero tasked with restoring balance to the world of Britannia by completing various tasks and defeating evil forces.
  • The game’s open world design and complex storyline were ahead of their time and paved the way for later open world games, particularly in the RPG genre.

Open World Games in the Modern Era

In the modern era of gaming, open world games have evolved significantly, with developers introducing new features and mechanics that have expanded the genre’s potential. Some of the most influential open world games in the modern era include:

2001: Grand Theft Auto III

• Grand Theft Auto III, released in 2001, is widely regarded as a landmark title in the open world genre.
• Developed by Rockstar Games, the game introduced a fully 3D open world environment, allowing players to explore and interact with the game world in a more immersive way than ever before.
• The game’s open world design was also complemented by a non-linear storyline, giving players the freedom to complete missions in any order they chose.
• Grand Theft Auto III’s impact on the open world genre was significant, with many subsequent open world games taking inspiration from its innovative design.

2003: Gothic II

• Gothic II, released in 2003, was another influential open world game in the modern era.
• The game was developed by Piranha Bytes and published by THQ, and it featured a vast open world environment that players could explore at their leisure.
• Gothic II also introduced a complex character creation system, allowing players to customize their character’s appearance and abilities.
• The game’s open world design was also complemented by a strong emphasis on exploration and discovery, with players encouraged to explore the game world and uncover its many secrets.

2004: The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

• The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, released in 2004, was a groundbreaking open world game that introduced many new features and mechanics to the genre.
• Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, the game featured a vast open world environment that players could explore at their own pace.
• Morrowind also introduced a deep character creation system, allowing players to customize their character’s appearance, abilities, and background.
• The game’s open world design was also complemented by a deep storyline and complex quest system, giving players a wide range of objectives to complete as they explored the game world.

Overall, these games and others like them have helped to shape the modern open world genre, expanding its potential and influencing countless other games that have followed in their footsteps.

The Defining Features of Open World Games

Exploration

One of the key defining features of open world games is exploration. This refers to the non-linear gameplay that allows players to explore the game world and discover multiple paths and objectives. Open world games often feature hidden areas and secrets that can be discovered by players who take the time to explore their surroundings.

Non-linear gameplay

Non-linear gameplay is a hallmark of open world games. Unlike linear games, which have a set path that players must follow, open world games allow players to explore the game world in any order they choose. This creates a sense of freedom and empowerment for players, as they are able to make their own choices about where to go and what to do.

Multiple paths and objectives

Open world games often feature multiple paths and objectives that players can pursue. This means that players can choose to complete objectives in any order they want, or they can focus on a particular path or objective. This creates a sense of flexibility and replayability, as players can choose to play the game in different ways each time.

Hidden areas and secrets

Open world games often feature hidden areas and secrets that can be discovered by players who take the time to explore their surroundings. These hidden areas may contain valuable items, power-ups, or other rewards that can help players progress through the game. Finding these hidden areas and secrets can be a thrilling and rewarding experience for players, as it adds an extra layer of depth and challenge to the game.

Freedom

Open world games are characterized by a sense of freedom and exploration that sets them apart from other genres. One of the key defining features of open world games is the sandbox-style gameplay, which allows players to roam freely and interact with the environment in a non-linear fashion. This type of gameplay creates a sense of player choice and agency, as players are able to make decisions about where to go and what to do, rather than being guided by a linear story or set of objectives.

Another important aspect of open world games is emergent gameplay, which refers to the unpredictable and often surprising outcomes that can arise from player choices and interactions within the game world. This type of gameplay adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to open world games, as players are able to explore and experiment with different approaches to challenges and objectives.

Overall, the sense of freedom and exploration offered by open world games is a major draw for many players, and has helped to make this genre one of the most popular and enduring in the gaming industry.

The Case for Zelda as the First Open World Game

Early Features of Zelda

The Legend of Zelda, released in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), is often cited as the first open world game. This revolutionary title introduced several features that set it apart from other games of its time and paved the way for the open world genre as we know it today.

• Non-linear gameplay: Unlike most games of the era, which followed a strict linear progression, Zelda allowed players to explore the game world freely, choosing which areas to visit and in what order. This level of freedom was unprecedented and contributed significantly to the game’s sense of adventure and discovery.
• Overworld map: Zelda featured an overhead map that represented the game world, allowing players to see their surroundings and plan their route. This map also displayed the locations of various landmarks, such as towns, dungeons, and other points of interest, which helped players navigate the vast and intricate world.
• Dungeons and side-quests: Zelda’s dungeons were massive, sprawling environments filled with puzzles, traps, and enemies. Each dungeon housed a powerful artifact that the player needed to retrieve in order to progress in the game. In addition to the main quest, Zelda also featured numerous side-quests, many of which were optional but rewarded players with valuable items and power-ups. This mix of main and side content added depth and replayability to the game, encouraging players to explore and experiment with different approaches.

Together, these features helped create an immersive and engaging world that encouraged exploration and experimentation, laying the groundwork for the open world genre that would follow in its wake.

Influence on Later Open World Games

Shadow of the Colossus

• Shadow of the Colossus, released in 2005, is often cited as one of the most influential open world games of the modern era.
• The game’s vast, breathtaking landscapes and epic boss battles have been widely praised, with many considering it to be a spiritual successor to Zelda.
• Its seamless integration of puzzle-solving, exploration, and combat set a new standard for open world games, with many developers drawing inspiration from its innovative design.

Fallout Series

• The Fallout series, which began in 1997 with the release of Fallout 1 and 2, has also been heavily influenced by Zelda.
• Both games feature open world environments, with players able to explore a post-apocalyptic wasteland, engage in combat, and solve puzzles.
• The games also feature a unique SPECIAL character creation system, which allows players to customize their character’s abilities and attributes.

Assassin’s Creed Series

• The Assassin’s Creed series, which debuted in 2007, has also been heavily influenced by Zelda.
• The games feature open world environments, with players able to explore historical settings, engage in combat, and complete various quests.
• The series’ unique parkour system and stealth mechanics have been widely praised, with many considering it to be a spiritual successor to Zelda’s emphasis on exploration and discovery.

Breath of the Wild

• It’s worth noting that the Zelda series itself has continued to evolve and innovate in the open world genre, with 2017’s Breath of the Wild being hailed as a masterpiece and a new benchmark for open world games.
• The game’s open world design emphasizes exploration, with players encouraged to discover hidden treasures, solve puzzles, and battle enemies in a vast, living world.
• The game’s innovative design has inspired numerous developers, and has cemented Zelda’s status as one of the most important and influential open world games of all time.

The Case Against Zelda as the First Open World Game

Alternative Contenders

1984: Elite

Elite is a space trading simulation game developed by David Braben and Ian Bell in 1984. It is often considered a precursor to the open world genre, as it featured a vast, procedurally generated galaxy for players to explore. In the game, players took on the role of a space cadet attempting to climb the ranks of the military.

Features

• Procedurally generated galaxy
• Exploration-based gameplay
• Military ranking system

1990: Ultima VI

Ultima VI: The False Prophet is a role-playing video game developed by Origin Systems in 1990. It is the sixth main entry in the Ultima series and is often cited as an early example of open world game design. The game featured a large, interconnected world for players to explore, with non-linear gameplay and multiple paths to complete objectives.

• Non-linear gameplay
• Large, interconnected world
• Multiple paths to complete objectives

1992: Dune II

Dune II: The Building of a Desert Planet is a real-time strategy game developed by Westwood Studios in 1992. While not typically considered an open world game, it did feature a large, procedurally generated map for players to explore and conquer. The game also allowed for free roaming and exploration, with hidden easter eggs and secret areas to discover.

• Procedurally generated map
• Free roaming and exploration
• Hidden easter eggs and secret areas

Zelda’s Limitations

Limited player freedom

While The Legend of Zelda allowed players to explore various areas, it was not a true open world game as it lacked the level of player freedom found in later titles. The game’s overworld was divided into several discrete areas, and players could only enter certain areas in a specific order. While players could explore these areas, they were still constrained by the game’s design and could not truly wander freely.

Linear progression

Although The Legend of Zelda was a groundbreaking game in many ways, it was still largely linear in its design. Players had to complete specific tasks in a set order to progress through the game. While players could explore the game’s world, they were still limited by the requirements of the game’s story and had to follow a set path to reach the end.

No true sandbox-style gameplay

The Legend of Zelda did not offer true sandbox-style gameplay, which is a hallmark of modern open world games. Players could explore the game’s world, but there were no truly open-ended activities or objectives. While players could collect items and defeat enemies, the game’s structure and objectives remained largely fixed. This meant that players could not truly create their own paths through the game world, as they are able to do in modern open world games.

The Debate Continues

• The issue of the first open world game remains a topic of debate among scholars and historians of the gaming industry.
• Different personal opinions and subjective criteria contribute to the complexity of the debate.
• The evolving definitions of “open world” further complicate the discussion, as different interpretations and understandings of the term have emerged over time.

While some argue that the concept of open world gaming can be traced back to early arcade games and text-based adventures, others point to specific titles, such as Ultima, Elite, and Akalabeth, as the earliest examples of open world games. However, it is generally agreed upon that The Legend of Zelda, released in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, played a significant role in popularizing the open world format and laying the groundwork for future open world games.

Despite the recognition of The Legend of Zelda’s influence, the debate continues over whether it was the first open world game. Scholars and historians often cite various factors that contribute to the complexity of the debate, including the evolving definitions of “open world” and the subjective nature of criteria used to define the genre.

One factor contributing to the debate is the varying interpretations of the term “open world.” Some argue that open world games must allow players to explore a persistent, interconnected world, while others define the genre more broadly to include games that offer non-linear gameplay and exploration. The evolving definitions of “open world” have led to debates over whether certain games, such as Rogue or the original Elite, can be considered open world games based on their non-linear gameplay and procedurally generated content.

Another factor is the subjective nature of criteria used to define the open world genre. Scholars and historians often have different personal opinions and criteria when it comes to determining whether a game can be considered an open world game. Some may prioritize player freedom and exploration, while others may focus on game mechanics, storytelling, or other elements. These subjective criteria can lead to differing opinions on which game can be considered the first open world game.

Despite the ongoing debate, there is a general consensus that The Legend of Zelda played a significant role in popularizing the open world format and influencing future open world games. The game’s innovative design, which allowed players to explore a vast, interconnected world, and its focus on player freedom and exploration, helped to establish the open world genre and make it a staple of modern gaming.

As the debate over the origins of open world gaming continues, it is important to recognize the complex interplay of factors that have contributed to the development of the genre. From early arcade games and text-based adventures to The Legend of Zelda and beyond, the evolution of open world gaming has been shaped by a diverse range of influences and innovations, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the genre as we know it today.

The Legacy of Open World Games

Impact on Gaming

Open world games have had a profound impact on the gaming industry, expanding gameplay possibilities and providing players with a sense of immersion and engagement. These games have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in gaming, creating new standards for storytelling, game design, and player experience.

Expanded Gameplay Possibilities

One of the most significant impacts of open world games is the expansion of gameplay possibilities. With the removal of traditional level structures and linear paths, players are given the freedom to explore vast, interconnected worlds and tackle objectives in any order they choose. This has led to a more organic and immersive experience, where players can fully engage with the game world and its inhabitants.

Player Immersion and Engagement

Open world games have also greatly enhanced player immersion and engagement. By providing players with detailed, realistic environments and rich, complex characters, these games have created a sense of reality that draws players in and keeps them engaged for hours on end. The ability to interact with the game world in meaningful ways has also contributed to this immersion, allowing players to feel like they are truly a part of the game.

Industry-wide Influence

The impact of open world games has been felt industry-wide, influencing the development of countless other games across a variety of genres. From sandbox-style games to RPGs and adventure games, open world games have inspired developers to create more immersive, engaging experiences for players. They have also pushed the boundaries of what is possible in terms of game design, encouraging innovation and experimentation in the industry as a whole.

Overall, the impact of open world games on the gaming industry has been profound, expanding gameplay possibilities, enhancing player immersion and engagement, and inspiring industry-wide innovation and experimentation.

Future of Open World Games

The future of open world games is set to be an exciting one, with continued evolution and innovation at the forefront of developers’ minds. With new technologies emerging and player feedback constantly being gathered, open world games are poised to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in gaming.

Integration of New Technologies

One of the key areas of focus for the future of open world games is the integration of new technologies. As technology continues to advance, developers are exploring new ways to incorporate it into their games. This includes the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to create more immersive experiences, as well as the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to create more dynamic and responsive worlds.

Addressing Player Feedback and Criticism

Another important aspect of the future of open world games is addressing player feedback and criticism. With the rise of social media and online communities, players have a greater voice than ever before in shaping the direction of open world games. Developers are listening to this feedback and using it to improve their games, with a focus on addressing common complaints such as tedious side quests and lack of meaningful choices.

Focus on Improving Player Experience

Ultimately, the future of open world games is focused on improving the player experience. This includes creating more engaging and varied content, streamlining gameplay mechanics, and making the world feel more alive and responsive. As technology continues to advance and player expectations continue to rise, open world games are poised to become even more engaging and immersive experiences.

FAQs

1. What is an open world game?

An open world game is a type of video game where players have the freedom to explore a virtual world without restrictions or barriers. Players can interact with the environment, complete quests, and engage in various activities as they see fit.

2. What is The Legend of Zelda?

The Legend of Zelda is a popular action-adventure video game series developed and published by Nintendo. The series follows the adventures of the protagonist, Link, as he explores various lands and battles against enemies to save Princess Zelda and the kingdom of Hyrule.

3. When was The Legend of Zelda released?

The first game in the series, The Legend of Zelda, was released in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Since then, the series has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs across various platforms.

4. Was The Legend of Zelda the first open world game?

The Legend of Zelda is often credited as one of the first open world games, along with the 1984 game “Elite” and the 1985 game “Wasteland”. However, the concept of open world gaming has evolved over time, and there are many games that have contributed to the development of the genre.

5. What makes The Legend of Zelda an open world game?

The Legend of Zelda is considered an open world game because it allows players to explore a vast and detailed world with minimal restrictions. Players can move freely in any direction, interact with various characters and objects, and complete quests and tasks in any order they choose.

6. How has The Legend of Zelda influenced open world gaming?

The Legend of Zelda has had a significant impact on the open world gaming genre. Its non-linear gameplay and emphasis on exploration and discovery have inspired many other games to adopt similar mechanics. The series has also influenced the development of role-playing games (RPGs) and action-adventure games.

7. Are there any other games in the open world genre?

Yes, there are many other games in the open world genre, including “Grand Theft Auto”, “Red Dead Redemption”, “The Elder Scrolls”, “Fallout”, “Assassin’s Creed”, and “Witcher”. These games offer vast and immersive worlds for players to explore and interact with.

How Nintendo Solved Zelda’s Open World Problem