Two Great Approaches to Game Design
Open world and linear games represent two fundamentally different philosophies about how players should experience a game. Neither is objectively better — they serve different needs, moods, and lifestyles. Understanding what each offers will help you pick games you'll actually finish and enjoy.
What Is an Open World Game?
An open world game gives the player a large, explorable environment with significant freedom over where to go, what to do, and in what order. The player drives the pace of the experience.
Examples of the genre:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild / Tears of the Kingdom
- Grand Theft Auto series
- Elden Ring
- The Witcher 3
Advantages of Open World:
- Freedom and exploration: The joy of discovering unexpected things as you wander.
- Replayability: Multiple paths and side content mean you can spend hundreds of hours without repeating yourself.
- Immersion: Living, breathing worlds that feel like real places.
Disadvantages of Open World:
- Can feel overwhelming or directionless, especially for new players.
- Main stories sometimes feel secondary or underdeveloped.
- Huge time investment — hard to finish if you have a busy schedule.
What Is a Linear Game?
A linear game guides the player through a predetermined sequence of levels or story beats, with limited deviation from the intended path. The developer controls the pacing and experience tightly.
Examples of the genre:
- God of War (2018)
- The Last of Us series
- Half-Life series
- Uncharted series
Advantages of Linear:
- Strong narrative: Developers can craft a tightly controlled, cinematic story.
- Accessible: Clear direction reduces decision fatigue.
- Completable: You can actually finish the game in a reasonable time frame.
Disadvantages of Linear:
- Lower replayability once you've seen the story.
- Less player agency — you're along for someone else's ride.
- Can feel restrictive to players who want to experiment.
Quick Decision Guide
| If you... | Try... |
|---|---|
| Love strong stories and characters | Linear games |
| Enjoy exploring at your own pace | Open world games |
| Have limited gaming time | Linear games |
| Want to sink 100+ hours into one game | Open world games |
| Prefer a complete, satisfying ending | Linear games |
| Like discovering secrets and side quests | Open world games |
The Verdict
The best choice depends entirely on your current lifestyle, mood, and what you want from gaming right now. Many players alternate between the two styles — an open world epic followed by a tight linear thriller makes for a refreshing change of pace. Don't limit yourself to one camp; the best gaming experiences often come from mixing it up.