Open-world video games frequently prioritize narrative coherence, computational efficiency, and aesthetic appeal over the accurate simulation of coastal and underwater environments. By evaluating 20 prominent titles through a framework of 32 geographical and ecological variables, it becomes clear that while static features such as cliffs and beaches are often rendered with high visual fidelity, dynamic physical phenomena—including tidal cycles, littoral currents, and complex wave-bathymetry interactions—are consistently oversimplified or omitted. This reliance on procedural generation and design-driven shortcuts creates a functional illusion of realism that diverges significantly from established geological and oceanographic principles.
Despite these limitations, certain titles, most notably the Assassin’s Creed series, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Death Stranding, demonstrate superior fidelity in specific environmental variables. These games represent a shift toward more sophisticated digital landscapes, yet the industry-wide trend remains focused on gameplay-centric design rather than scientific precision. The resulting gap between digital representation and real-world coastal dynamics highlights a fundamental tension between the technical constraints of game development and the complexity of natural systems.
These findings suggest that while open-world games possess the potential to serve as foundational educational tools for physical geography, their current state necessitates a critical pedagogical approach. Educators must account for the discrepancies between simulated environments and actual ecological processes to prevent the reinforcement of inaccurate geographical models. Ultimately, while these digital spaces offer immersive experiences, they remain limited in their utility for higher-level scientific study, serving better as aesthetic interpretations of nature than as accurate simulations of the Earth’s coastal systems.
