Nintendo has set the record straight, ‘Mario Kart World’ is not an open world game.
While the upcoming title offers a large, seamless environment and free roam capabilities, producer Kosuke Yabuki says the team doesn’t see it as part of the open world genre.
Speaking to the Washington Post, Yabuki explained the reasoning behind avoiding that label. “We actually don’t use the phrase ‘open world’ in development,” he said. “I think for us it’s just a little bit too ambiguously defined.”
He emphasized that even though Mario Kart World has a vast, connected map, it still includes traditional design elements. These include structured racing tracks and classic courses that fans will recognize. “That’s why we have this opportunity to pull in classic courses from past titles and remake them for ‘World,’” Yabuki added.
The game does offer a free roam mode, where players can drive freely across a huge map. According to early playtests, it takes about 9 to 10 minutes to cross the entire map from end to end. This mode also features dynamic environmental changes, like weather, day/night cycles, and adaptive soundtracks.
“As the player drives along, they’re seeing changes in the scenery, but they can also feel changes in terms of what music comes in,” Yabuki said. “You’re not just racing, you also have this opportunity to free roam the world, so we need music that fits that also.”
Still, traditional gameplay is alive and well. Alongside free roam, the game offers solo races, battle modes, and the familiar menu structure with single-player, multiplayer, and online options. “When you start up the game and you first see that screen, you’re going to see single-player, multiplayer, and online, and that’s going to be very familiar to people and hasn’t changed from some previous titles,” Yabuki explained.
The development team seems focused on balancing innovation with familiarity. The connected world might feel like a big shift, but Nintendo is clearly cautious about how it defines that shift. They want fans to feel at home, while still enjoying something fresh.
In short, Mario Kart World may look and feel more open than previous entries, but it doesn’t fully step into that genre. With returning courses, classic modes, and a more immersive world, the game is carving out its own lane rather than joining the open world crowd.
Whether you’re in it for the competition or just want to cruise through dynamic environments, Mario Kart World seems set to offer something for everyone, without needing the open world label.
- Nintendo Clarifies ‘Mario Kart World’ Is Not an Open World Game - June 5, 2025
- Cartier Hit by Cyberattack, Customer Data Compromised - June 5, 2025
- Tango Gameworks Is Hiring For A New Unannounced Action Game - June 5, 2025
