Environmental graphics are very important for telling stories in open-world video games. They do more than just make the game's surroundings look nice; they help players understand the story and feel more connected to the game.

First, environmental graphics create the mood. For example, if the game has a lonely, ruined city with broken buildings and rusty cars, it shows feelings of sadness and loss before anyone even talks. This kind of setting helps players connect to the story’s themes and dive deeper into the experience.

Second, the design of the game world offers hints and clues about its history. Things like big landmarks, building styles, and little details help reveal what the past was like for the people who lived there. In games like "The Witcher 3," the environments are carefully designed to show the game's background, helping players understand the story without someone explaining it directly.

Also, being able to interact with the environment creates special storytelling moments. When players can change things in the game, like breaking parts of the landscape or talking to characters, they can create their own stories as they play. This kind of interaction makes players care more about what’s happening, which builds a stronger emotional connection to the game world.

In summary, environmental graphics are key to storytelling in open-world games. They set the mood, offer context, and keep players engaged, all of which makes the story experience even richer.