What are closed world games?

What are Closed World Games?

In the world of video games, open-world and close-world are two terms that are often confused with each other. While open-world games provide players with the freedom to explore and experiment, close-world games are the opposite – they limit the player’s movement and force them to follow a set path. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of close-world games, exploring what they are, their benefits, and some notable examples.

What is a Closed World Game?

Closed world games are a type of video game that limits the player’s ability to move freely in the game world. The player is confined to a specific area or sequence of levels, and the game dictates the path they must take to progress through the story. This can be due to various factors such as a non-linear narrative structure, level design, or technical constraints.

Benefits of Closed World Games

While open-world games offer endless freedom, close-world games have their own set of benefits:

• Linearity: Closed world games offer a more structured experience, with a clearer understanding of the story and objectives. This can be appealing to players who enjoy linear narratives and set goals.
• Polished Game Design: Since closed world games have a set path, the game design can be more refined, with fewer glitches and technical issues.
• Emphasis on Storytelling: By focusing on a linear narrative, closed world games can devote more resources to developing a compelling story and characters.
• Efficient Level Design: Levels are designed with a specific objective in mind, reducing the need for unnecessary exploratory gameplay.

Examples of Closed World Games

Here are some notable examples of closed world games:

• Bioshock series: While the games are rich in story and atmosphere, the player is restricted to a linear path through the underwater cities and research facilities.
• Deus Ex series: Although the games offer some open-ended choices, the player is mainly confined to a set path through the sci-fi world.
• The Stanley Parable (2013): This puzzle game is a prime example of a closed world game, with the player making choices that ultimately lead them to the same ending.

Common Features of Closed World Games

Several features are common to closed world games:

• Linear Level Structure: Levels are designed with a specific objective and linear progression.
• Set Path: The player is restricted to a specific route through the game world.
• Narrow Scope: The game scope is narrower, focusing on a specific story or objective.
• Fewer Side Quests: Side quests or optional content are often limited, as the game focuses on the primary objective.

Conclusion

Closed world games are an important part of the gaming landscape, offering a unique experience that differs from the openness of open-world games. While they may limit the player’s freedom, they also provide a more structured experience, a stronger focus on storytelling, and more refined level design. By understanding the benefits and features of closed world games, gamers can appreciate this style of gameplay and enjoy the many exceptional titles it has to offer.