When it comes to top-selling video games these days people go crazy for open world titles. They are the first person shooters of the modern era, games that sell millions of copies and are discussed at length by fans on forums and message boards. Open world games are great as they allow us to lose ourselves in an entirely different location or time period, with the likes of Skyrim, The Witcher 3, and Red Dead Redemption 2 fantastic examples of in-depth open world adventure games.
With the genre's popularity at such a high, I thought I'd take a look at some of the craziest open world games currently in development. From zombie epics The Last Of Us 2 and Days Gone to sword-wielding samurai's in Ghost Of Tsushima and famous Disney characters in Kingdom Hearts III, this list has something for everyone.
But as well as confirmed releases I've chosen to highlight a number of games rumored to be in production, such as Doom 2 and Assassin's Creed: Dynasty, along with a few I hope are coming, most notably Grand Theft Auto VI.
Here's hoping all these games see the light of day over the next couple of years.
30 In Development: Ghosts Of Tsushima
This game from developer Sucker Punch Productions is going to kick behind. Taking control of Jin Sakai, the last samurai on Tsushima Island during the first invasion of Japan by the Mongolians, you must learn the fighting style known as "the way of the ghost" and secure the freedom of Japan.
Ghosts Of Tsushima is set in a massive open world full of interesting side quests and allows you to stealthily take out your enemies or engage in massive battles in the open. The game will even allow you to switch from English to Japanese audio to keep things as authentic as possible, making it one of my most anticipated releases of 2019.
29 In Development: Starfield
Bethesda’s first RPG in over 25 years, Starfield is shaping up an epic space adventure on a grand scale like we’ve never seen before. Having been in development for over a decade the game is finally set to see the light of day next year, or possibly 2020 if things don't go to plan.
Rumors persist the game will be set in our universe and include alien races and four different planets you can visit, with the biggest being almost twice the size of Skyrim’s entire map.
28 Possibility: Far Cry 6
Although Far Cry 5 only dropped earlier this year rumors persist the sixth game in the successful franchise is in development.
Speculation is growing the game could include sci-fi elements and be set in either India, Russia, or North Korea.
Introducing sci-fi into the Far Cry universe has been done before and doesn't necessarily mean it will be on a different planet or in space, but that would be a welcome change. Maybe it will be a post-apocalyptic earth setting? Whatever they choose I'm sure it will be another great game from Ubisoft.
27 In Development: Kingdom Hearts III
People go mad for the Kingdom Hearts series and the third installment is sure to have fans excited. The game will feature a huge collection of characters from Square Enix, Pixar, and Disney properties and introduces two new playable characters, King Mickey and Riku.
The game will feature similar hack and slash combat from the previous releases while adding a larger world for gamers to explore. The addition of Mickey and Riku will enable five-player co-operative play adding longevity to an already well-liked franchise.
26 In Development: Tom Clancy's The Division II
I feel like Tom Clancy’s makes more money from video games than books these days, but who am I to complain when they look as good as The Division 2. Set seven months after the previous game, players must try and restore order in a war-ravaged Washington DC.
The co-op option allows you to team with friends and complete missions while a stack of downloadable content is set to be added after the game's release to keep you interested. If this is half as good as the first game, it'll be a winner.
25 Possibility: Assassin's Creed: Dynasty
The lasted Assassin's Creed game takes place in ancient Greece and is quite a beautiful game to play, but fans are clamoring for the release of the long-discussed Assassin's Creed: Dynasty.
Originally thought to take place in Greece, this game is now said to involve some form of plot in Feudal Japan or China.
There isn't any more information but an Assassin's Creed game set in either of these locations would be amazing and give players an entirely new environment to explore.
24 In Development: Shenmue III
Setting the record for the highest crowd-funded video game of all time – raising $6 million – Shenmue III is a game fans have been craving for a very long time. Following on from events in the original two titles, Shenmue III finds Ryo Hazuki journeying from Japan to China to find his father’s slayer, Lan Di.
The game is said to include three main areas with a bunch of old characters reappearing while a new antagonist, Niao Sun, will be the games focal point. Expect a detailed and well-animated game with an in-depth and heartfelt storyline.
23 In Development: Crackdown 3
Similar to the first two games in this well-received series, Crackdown 3 involves a number of organizations vying for control of New Providence, with players having to hunt down and take out the various factions. Power-ups and crazy weapons are all the rage while the “Skills for Eliminations” system remains.
Causing absolute mayhem and destroying everything in your path is still the name of the game, but the best part might be Terry Crews as main protagonist Commander Jaxon.
22 Possibility: Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Who doesn't love a good Star Wars game? The tentatively titled Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is supposed to be a brand new open world game set after Revenge Of The Sith.
There are no juicy plot details just yet, but we do know the game involves taking control of a surviving Padawan with a story that's said to be dark and depressing and very much in line with Empire Strikes Back era Star Wars.
21 In Development: Days Gone
Zombie games feature heavily on this list and I have no regrets about that decision. There’s something about creeping through an abandoned town looking for supplies with the threat of the flesh-eating undead attacking you at any minute that's just hard to beat.
Of all the games on this list, Days Gone looks set to be the one everybody will be talking about.
As biker bounty hunter Deacon St. John, you wander an infected world trying to stay alive as the zombie hordes take over. Think Mad Max with zombies. Yes, please.
20 In Development: Skull & Bones
A game where you get to play as a pirate and sail the seven seas pillaging all that come before you? Where do I sign up?
Skull & Bones finds you sailing the Indian Ocean and is influenced by the naval battles from Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag. There isn’t a great deal of information available regarding the plot but you can team up with or engage five other players in the multiplayer battle mode Disputed Waters, which is sure to be a blast.
19 Possibility: Doom Eternal
A sequel to the 2016 reboot of the original Doom, Doom Eternal is becoming more and more likely to drop in the coming 12 to 18 months.
The first person shooter will no doubt be heavy on the violence and gore and is said to take place on entirely new worlds with a rash of evil baddies to dispatch. Hopefully, it's as entertaining as the previous game and can continue to build on the Doom legacy.
18 In Development: Metro Exodus
Although Metro Exodus will have a focused storyline the game is set to comprise of large levels with extensive maps for players to explore. The first person shooter will include horror survival elements as you navigate a post-apocalyptic Russia.
Screenshots released so far hint at Metro Exodus being the best looking game in the franchise yet.
New mutant enemies and methods of combat are included while a dynamic weather system means the environment will change as the seasons progress in-game.
17 In Development: Rage 2
Taking place 30 years after the first game, Rage 2 finds you taking control of the last ranger Walker. Stranded in a post-apocalyptic world overrun with crazy mutants you must use everything at your disposal to survive.
Expect fast-paced action, glorious graphics, and lots of violent deaths with this open world first-person shooter. Rage 2 will also feature vehicular combat and the ability to power up firearms for extreme combat.
16 Possibility: Wild
First announced way back in 2014, Wild is an open-world survival game set during prehistoric time. Although the main character you control is human, players have the ability to control animals they encounter during the game, including fish, wolves, cats, and even ants.
Unfortunately, things have gone rather quiet in regards to a release date. While there where hopes the game would be dropping next year many fans are unsure whether Wild will ever see the light of day.
15 In Development: Dying Light 2
After the success of Dying Light a sequel was inevitable, and from what I’ve seen of Dying Light 2, expect another engrossing thrill ride that will keep you up all hours of the night. Once again every action has a reaction, so depending on how you interact with your surroundings and fellow survives determines the outcome of the game.
The parkour action of the original is set to return but zombies will be dispersed differently, with the undead appearing more during the night. This one is sure to be another fantastic addition to the zombie genre with plenty of intensity.
14 In Development: Final Fantasy VII Remake
I’ve never been a big fan of remaking games, especially when they are as good as the original like Final Fantasy VII. My feelings aside, this one actually looks like it could turn out to be something pretty special.
The game is going to be a retelling of the main plot, with Cloud Strife and his eco-group’s battle against the Shinra megacorporation at the game's core. This remake will feature better graphics, a bigger open world, and new storyline content, and keep Final Fantasy fans happy until the next major original installment in the series is released.
13 Possibility: Fable 4
Although Microsoft is keeping mum, it's believed Fable 4 is finally being developed for a future release within the next five years.
It's been eight years since fans attempted to overthrow the King of Albion and the latest rumors concerning Fable 4 is that the game will be a sequel to the original with a ginormous open world for players to explore. While there's not much more information available at this time, here's hoping they get another great voice cast and keep the storyline intriguing.
12 In Development: The Last Of Us 2
Set five years after the events of the The Last Of Us, this much-hyped sequel finds players taking control of an older Ellie who becomes involved with a mysterious cult in the post-apocalyptic zombie-filled world.
Like so many of the games on this list, there isn’t a heck of a lot of info in regards to the storyline, but if it’s anything like the first game, expect a heart-wrenching storyline driven by meaty characters with a number of twists and turns.
11 In Development: Anthem
Combining elements of third person shooters and action RPG games within a futuristic open world, Anthem is sure to be on many gamers lists of must-play titles next year.
In the game, players take control of characters known as Freelancer's, explorers who wear special suits called Javelins that give them special abilities.
Expect nifty combat sequences and great character development in this sci-fi adventure.