They didn't, those are just different kinds of games shifting in popularity. Retarded question.

>>85864914
implementing progressive difficulty with levels is insanely hard of a task to do well. most levels just end up being thematic gimmicks. l

>>85865017
I like Super Mario Galaxy 1&2

>>85864914
"Environmental design" is easier than level design and big open worlds look better on press releases. It's easier to pad out a game with few mechanics with travel and NPC dialog than it is to come up with interesting mechanical interactions and challenges

And that's why Miyamoto Shigeru is known as le vidya tensai.

I love open world games, and I'm tired of everyone ragging on them.
My only gripe is that many games do not need to be open world, that most open world games aren't enjoyable to traverse, that many open world games are too jam packed with stuff to do making them feel like a theme park rather than another world to immerse yourself in.
I just want an escape.
Don't even fucking quote or reply me.