LogFAQs > #985647790

DnDer posted...

Is there a distinction to draw between open worlds and sandboxes?

Like, does New Vegas count as an open world? You can go almost anywhere, like BOTW, but it (and other post-FO3 games) just... vibes differently.

That left me wondering if there's a difference to be argued between the two?

There most certainly is a difference between the two.

In the absolute broadest sense.

Open World means freedom of exploration. The story exists in the world, but you are free to explore the world however you want. Classic examples Skyrim or GTA

Sandbox means control over the mechanics. Basically the developers made a ton of tools and systems.... you decide how you want to play with them (like throwing a kid in a sandbox, they'll figure out how have fun). Classic examples The Sims or Minecraft.

Some games are both Open World and Sandbox. But even though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they do mean different things.