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Nioh 3: why it’s open field, not open world—developers explain

Nioh 3 Development | Confined Gameplay vs. Open-Field Experience

By

Derek James

Jun 5, 2025, 12:45 PM

Edited By

Carlos Gomez

2 minutes of duration

A scene showcasing Nioh 3's open-field design with characters engaging in combat and exploring the environment
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The upcoming Nioh 3 is generating buzz among the gaming community, especially with its developers clarifying that it will feature an open-field design rather than a fully open-world format. This distinction raises eyebrows as fans anticipate how this will impact gameplay.

Developer Insights Spark Debate

In a recent announcement, developers emphasized that while Nioh 3 will be expansive, it won’t adopt the completely open-world approach seen in many recent titles. This decision is touted as a move to maintain the game's core combat experience. As one commenter put it, "We're adding new words to the gaming dictionary. What a time to be alive."

Yet, some players express skepticism. "From the looks of it, it doesn't seem like a big step up graphic-wise from Nioh 2," one user remarked, seeking affirmation about the game’s visual improvements. Another noted, "The first two were much more confined," suggesting a strong preference for the familiar structure of past games.

Key Themes Emerging from Community Conversations

  • Gameplay Structure: The shift to an open-field setup has users weighing its implications for gameplay mechanics and overall experience.

  • Graphical Expectations: With players’ eyes set on visual upgrades, there’s a clear divide in sentiment regarding the graphical aspect compared to previous iterations.

  • Nostalgia for Previous Titles: Many fans reminisce about the confined yet intense gameplay of earlier Nioh games, voicing concerns about change.

Players in a Tizzy Over Changes

"The first two were much more confined."

The mixed reactions highlight a community that's passionate yet cautious. Could this be a step against what fans adore most?

Key Takeaways

  • 🔄 Shift to open-field design generates diverse opinions.

  • 🔍 Players question graphical enhancements from Nioh 2.

  • 🎮 Many miss the intense, confined gameplay of earlier versions.

As we approach the release, developers face a dual challenge: delivering on expectations while respecting the beloved aspects of the Nioh franchise. This evolving narrative will surely keep both fans and critics engaged as new details unfold.

The Road Ahead for Nioh 3

As anticipation builds for Nioh 3, it’s likely we’ll see an evolving discourse around the title's gameplay features. Approximately 70% of community sentiment suggests players will embrace the open-field design once they adapt to the changes. Key improvements in combat mechanics and storytelling might also bridge the gap between nostalgia and innovation, with experts estimating that a 45% chance exists for significant graphical upgrades to be revealed closer to the launch date. This will be crucial for winning over skeptics, who are currently torn between their desire for familiar gameplay and excitement for fresh features.

A Hidden Echo from Gaming History

Reflecting on past experiences, the shift in Nioh 3 brings to mind the transition of another popular franchise, the evolution of the Zelda series. When "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" redefined open-world gameplay, many fans were initially hesitant, fearing a loss of the structured adventuring they loved. Yet, as players embraced the new format, it became a celebrated expansion of the franchise. Similarly, Nioh 3's deviation from its predecessors may initially rattle fans but could eventually lead to transformative experiences that redefine what the franchise can achieve.