Categorizing games is like categorizing music into genres. Composers don’t love it, so why would game studios?

Still, if we must, most games fall into two categories: Open-World or Linear.

But you know that feeling you got playing God of War or The Last of Us? That’s what developers call core player fantasy, the main aspirational element at the heart of the game.

For the noobs out there, core player fantasy is the identity or role the player embodies, the character around whom the story revolves.

Great games tap into a deep, specific fantasy that players want to live out. And your team needs to lock this down early to position the game effectively.

Narratively, being clear about this fantasy shapes everything; it tells you what kind of story to write.

If your game’s about being a badass space marine, then your story needs to give players dramatic, badass moments.

Neither open world nor linear structure is inherently better for storytelling. Linear can be easier for writers, sure, but some of the most compelling narratives (The Witcher 3, Red Dead Redemption 2) thrive in open worlds. Each demands a different storytelling approach.

And honestly? Open-world games often contain powerful linear experiences. Categorizing them just for clarity’s sake doesn’t do them justice.

What do you think?