In recent years, discussions about open world video games have increasingly centered on their scale and how it impacts gameplay. Last year, Simon Lemay-Comtois, associate game director for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, revealed that Ubisoft's latest title would feature a more compact map compared to its predecessor, Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla. This revelation sparked debates about what "size" truly means in gaming contexts, challenging perceptions of space and immersion. Industry experts weigh in on how elements like traversal time, story scope, and environmental design contribute to the feeling of expansiveness or intimacy within a game.
A New Perspective on Game World Dimensions
In the vibrant autumn of game development, when developers worldwide are rethinking traditional metrics, Ubisoft's announcement brought attention to an intriguing paradox. While Assassin’s Creed Shadows may cover less geographical ground than Valhalla—comparable perhaps to the ancient Egyptian landscapes of Origins—it emphasizes quality over quantity. According to Lemay-Comtois, the true measure lies not in kilometers but in how players perceive movement through the world. Factors such as travel times, narrative density, and the emotional impact of specific locations play crucial roles. Meanwhile, Lovely Hellplace founder James Wragg discusses similar challenges in Dread Delusion, where visual cues like bush sizes influence player perception significantly. Smaller bushes led to players perceiving themselves as appropriately scaled, highlighting subtle tricks that define spatial awareness in virtual realms.
Ben Fisher from Rebellion further complicates this discourse by contrasting sprawling environments with densely packed ones. For instance, Atomfall opts for a concentrated experience designed to evoke tension rather than endless exploration. Fisher likens designing these worlds to choreography, arranging sequences of interaction akin to dance moves. This approach ensures players remain engaged without overwhelming them, maintaining cognitive balance essential for strategic gameplay.
Reimagining Our Notions of Size
From a journalistic standpoint, reflecting on these insights reveals fascinating possibilities. By focusing less on raw measurements and more on experiential nuances, developers can craft worlds that resonate deeply despite being relatively modest in scale. Take The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, whose towering peaks and shifting climates create an illusion of vastness unmatched by mere acreage. Conversely, Far Cry series often feels confined due to its aggressive encounters dominating every corner. Ultimately, Assassin’s Creed Origins demonstrates how natural features like rivers enhance perceived magnitude, making even smaller maps feel epic. These examples underscore the importance of thoughtful design over brute expansion, offering lessons applicable beyond gaming into broader creative fields.