Instance vs Open-World: what do you want more of?

[Gramul]

because every game I've played open worlds become empty wastelands after people level

I think this is where we differ. While you may see these places as empty wastelands, I see them as integral parts of the games environment. Something that can help breathe life into an interactive experience and make it more than just a game. Being able to participate in engaging and creative open world content is part of what makes a world feel alive. At least for me. That's where I get most of my enjoyment from games. Exploring and learning about the world, seeing new places, participating in off the fly low structure experiences. That's where the life of a game blossoms beyond a list of tasks and challenges.