open world
noun
plural open worlds
: a video game or part of a video game in which the player is not constrained to achieving specific goals and has a large degree of freedom to explore, interact with, or modify the game environment : sandbox sense 2a
The gameplay feels similar to other RPGs, and while it's an open world that allows you to do whatever you want for the most part, I do recommend accomplishing the first tasks of the recruitment quests early.—
Swapna Krishna
Swapna Krishna… you'll likely get swept in deep by the stellar narrative and the meticulously-crafted open world gameplay.—Tanveer Singh
—sometimes hyphenated when used before another nounTanveer SinghWhether you're keen on open-world games where you've got masses of virtual space to explore or survival games where there are more threats to keep you on your toes, our list should help you make the right choice.—Adrian Willings
Adrian WillingsExamples of open world in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The game is a free-to-play, open world creature-catching action RPG developed by Pawprint Studio.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 9 June 2025
Kojima explained that, given the open world concept of the game, players will have to decide how to get there — only this time, the map will change in real time as natural disasters occur, impacting the route’s available.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 9 June 2025
The new trailer showcased some fantastic-looking original tracks that will all be hosted in one giant open world that players can navigate.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
Previously, the company was saying the action-adventure open world title was on track for a fall 2025 launch, though a specific release date was never set.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for open world
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jennifer Maas, Variety, 9 June 2025
Kojima explained that, given the open world concept of the game, players will have to decide how to get there — only this time, the map will change in real time as natural disasters occur, impacting the route’s available.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 9 June 2025
The new trailer showcased some fantastic-looking original tracks that will all be hosted in one giant open world that players can navigate.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
Previously, the company was saying the action-adventure open world title was on track for a fall 2025 launch, though a specific release date was never set.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for open world
Cite this Entry
“Open world.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20world. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share