Amanda Smith is a freelance journalist and writer. She reports on culture, society, human interest and technology. Her stories hold a mirror to society, reflecting both its malaise and its beauty.

The best open-world games have always been right at home on PC. From the early days of Ultima and Hydlide, to fin de siècle 3D trailblazers like Grand Theft Auto 3 and Morrowind, to the sprawling ...