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Geographical Aspects of Open-World Video Games

First author: Fraile-Jurado
Year: 2023


Abstract

In recent years, open-world environments in video games have become increasingly popular and immersive. Millions of players are able to explore virtual landscapes that resemble the real world, yet significant differences exist. This study investigates the geographical accuracy of 15 open-world video games. The virtual landscapes in these games were analyzed for horizontal distance compression, increased slopes, idealized climate, simplified vegetation and water features, underpopulation, and spatial segregation of ethnic minorities. The findings show significant differences between the games in terms of their geographical accuracy, with some exhibiting a more realistic representation of the natural and cultural environment compared to others. This study sheds light on the relationship between virtual landscapes in video games and our perception of the real world, offering new insights into this rapidly growing field.


Details

Language: English
Country of affiliation: Spain


Published in: Games and Culture
Publication type: Journal article


Source: https://doi.org/10.1177/15554120231178871


Games
No Results

Franchises
No Results


Studies

Description: Content analysis of virtual landscapes which are compared to real-world ones; based on in-depth gameplay and evaluated by topic-relevant experts

Research type: Non-experimental
Data type: Mixed


Comparator: none
Control group: no
Pilot study: no
Pre/post measures used: no
Follow-up: no


Sample type: Game(s)
Sample size: 16
Power analysis: no
Sample countries: null


Games studied: Yakuza 6, Riders Republic, Assassin's Creed: Origins, Far Cry 5, Ghost of Tsushima, Red Dead Redemption 2, The Crew, Marvel's Spider-Man, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Far Cry: Primal, Sleeping Dogs, Death Stranding, Watch Dogs 2, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Grand Theft Auto V, Assassin's Creed: Odyssey


Franchises studied: Yakuza (F), Watch Dogs (F), The Elder Scrolls (F), Far Cry (F), The Crew (F), Red Dead (F), Marvel's Spider-Man (F), Kingdom Come: Deliverance (F), Grand Theft Auto (F), Assassin's Creed (F)


Study outcomes: Representing nature