Open world RPG’s like Bannerlord or Skyrim will be “real” alternative reality. Just think, today you can chit-chat in Bannerlord with general NPC. Tomorrow you can get radiant quest from giver by talking to Jarls. In future you can find secret quests and spell-check your way around in Fallout.
Last I checked, you had to download and launch from Uplay even if you buy game from other stores. I haven’t buyed any of their games after they pull a stunt on Brotherhood anyway.