How do you feel about games that reward exploration over linear progression?

[killamch89]

Do you prefer open-world experiences where curiosity leads to hidden treasures and secret storylines, or do you enjoy structured narratives that guide you step by step? Share your thoughts on how exploration-based rewards affect game replayability, immersion, and overall satisfaction.

[Scorpion]

I prefer open-world experiences where exploring leads to hidden treasures and secret stories. Discovering surprises enhances immersion and encourages replayability, as each playthrough feels unique. Structured narratives have their charm, but the freedom of exploration offers a more satisfying adventure for me.

[killamch89]

Exploration-focused games like Outer Wilds create this unique sense of genuine discovery that linear games can't match. When I uncovered the quantum mechanics on Giant's Deep or pieced together the Nomai's tragic story across multiple planets, the satisfaction came not from completing developer-marked objectives but from my own curiosity being rewarded. The emotional impact of discoveries I made through personal agency feels fundamentally different from narrative moments I was led to experience.