10 Most Beautiful Open World Video Games You Must Play

10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Initially released in 2011 by Bethesda, there's a reason why The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's world is still one of the most recognisable and acclaimed RPG open worlds in gaming history.

Fresh off the success that was Elder Scrolls IV and its setting of the Cyrodiil in the heartlands of Tamriel, Bethesda decided to switch up things by moving the action from the lush plains and forests of the Imperial City to the snowy tundra and mountain ranges of the continent's frozen north in Skyrim.

Bethesda's Creation Engine was specifically redesigned for the development of Skyrim, and the world was built with every intention of pushing the boundaries on what was possible in open world design. Todd Howard wanted a world with a charm and identity that he believed would be more interesting to players than Oblivion, and the end result is a game that has some of the most breathtaking scenery - as well as the opportunity for adventure around almost every corner.

And whilst the frozen tundras and mountain ranges are undoubtedly the face of the game and what players first think of when Skyrim is mentioned, each and every province has its own unique design and theme and feel more like individual countries and a part of their own separate game rather than a part of the same land.