Hideaki Itsuno, director of the upcoming Dragon’s Dogma 2, has expressed his views on the use of fast travel in open-world games. Eschewing ease of movement for world immersion, Itsuno argues that boring travel is symptomatic of an unengaging game. He emphasizes creating fun travel experiences through strategically placed discovery opportunities, unpredictable enemy encounters, and unforeseen challenges like bridge destruction or surprise Griffins attacks. Dragon's Dogma 2 aims to make travel integral to gameplay by incorporating organic world elements like Oxcarts that only follow specific paths and may subject travelers to ambushes. Itsuno believes that distance in-game should feel significant, which is why fast travel will be limited. The game is scheduled to launch on March 22 for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S, promising a world that rewards exploration and offers numerous player choices.

Why is limited fast travel considered a positive aspect in Dragon's Dogma 2?n

Limited fast travel is seen as a positive feature in Dragon’s Dogma 2 because it makes the game world more engaging and immersive. It forces players to interact more deeply with the environment and the various challenges it presents. This design choice intends to give significance to the act of traveling, turning it into an adventure in itself, rather than just a means to get from point A to B. By limiting fast travel, the game encourages players to engage with its dynamic world and systems, potentially leading to unexpected encounters and memorable gameplay experiences.

Dragon's Dogma first released in 2012 and was known for its expansive open world as well as deep combat system that combined traditional RPG elements with thrilling action. The game stood out for its "pawn" system, where players could recruit NPCs with various skillsets to form a party. As the sequel, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is expected to build on these foundations with an even richer world and more intricate systems, evolving the unique blend of action and role-playing that the original was praised for.