Matt Firor, the head of ZeniMax Online and director of Elder Scrolls Online, recently discussed the challenges of designing modern open-world games in an interview with Rock Paper Shotgun. Firor suggested that a Morrowind-style game, which lacks a GPS-style guide and requires players to navigate using vague hints, would not be well-received by today’s gamers.
Firor explained that the current gaming audience is accustomed to having their open worlds filled with map markers, checklists, and other conveniences. “If a company released a game like Morrowind nowadays… very few people would play it, so now you need to give them hints and clues,” he said. This shift in player expectations means that developers need to balance the needs of hardcore players, who enjoy deep, immersive experiences, with those of casual players, who may only have short periods to play.
He elaborated that modern gamers aren’t all “PC or generation-one console diehards” and that there are “so many other options for players” today. This diverse player base requires developers to support both dedicated gamers and those looking for quick, accessible gameplay experiences. “We need to support both those kind of hardcore players… and then the wider audience that really just has 20 minutes to burn,” Firor said.
For fans of the classic Morrowind experience, Firor recommended the recently released game Dread Delusion, which captures the essence of the old-school RPG with a unique, psychedelic twist.
Firor’s insights highlight the evolving nature of open-world game design and the need for developers to adapt to changing player expectations. As the industry continues to grow and diversify, balancing the demands of different types of players will remain a critical challenge for game creators.
