http://vgrhq.com/critics-unfairly-chastise-watch-dogs-for-being-repetitive/
Something to think about and I honestly believe it's the latter question asked. Open-world games need to take the next step. Whatever that may be. Perhaps a more dynamic world or simply having a greater diversity of content. It seems like what worked before isn't cutting it now.
I agree, open world games need to evolve, they need to feel more alive and better thought out.