bigdogchris said:Open world to me means more sandbox like, with no character driven narrative. That is, when I enter the game I'm just a guy trying to find my own way. The store is not catered to me specifically.
Additionally, the game world is designed to be explored, as in non-linear progression. I can go anywhere I want, anytime, and deal with the consequences as they come (high level mobs, traps, etc). There are areas in the game that fill in the gaps. The design does not have just set piece locations. You have to travel between locations. The world has the perception of being real size and scope.
For me, this is it. Freedom. Freedom from quest hubs, freedom from theme parks, freedom to go whereever, freedom from a narrative, freedom from ridiculous responsibility (like saving the world).
I want to be free to save and help others, or not. I definitely want quests and stories and action and a living breathing world. But I would like to make all of my own choices as to where I go. But to do this, there can not be some major overarching story line that I have to follow. I have no wish to 'save the world'. I just want to live in it.