Red Dead Redemption 2’s multiplayer mode, Red Dead Online, did not achieve the same level of success and popularity that GTA Online did, but Rockstar owner Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick wants people to know the game overall was still a gigantic hit.
Red Dead Online was supported with major updates in the years after the game launched in 2018. However, Rockstar dialed things back and the game no longer receives the kind of regular, meaty updates it once did or similar kinds of expansions that GTA Online gets.
Zelnick told IGN that he does not see Red Dead Online as being a “missed opportunity,” and his evidence? The game sold 85 million copies and has become the No. 4 best-selling game in the history of video games, recently surpassing Wii Sports.
“There is literally nothing about Red Dead selling 85 million units that could signal a missed opportunity. And Red Dead Online has been immensely successful and long lasting,” Zelnick said.
The executive also theorized that Red Dead, as a franchise, would be seen in a different light if it wasn’t made by the same company that makes GTA games.
“I think if we didn’t have Grand Theft Auto here at our company, then people would just talk about the fact that we have this massive franchise in Red Dead, which we do and of which we’re very proud,” he said. “I actually personally think Red Dead is just amazing and I love engaging with it. And I think the reason it continues to sell is that it’s just spectacular entertainment. It’s beautiful and it feels very up to date despite the fact that it’s not a new title.”
Red Dead Redemption 2 sold a further 3 million copies between January and March, and that was among the highest quarterly sales total since the game launched in October 2018. Of course, the game has been heavily discounted since launch; it’s now available for $15 on PS5 and $20 on Xbox Series X|S with a temporary discount. The game is also part of the PlayStation Plus catalog for subscribers.
Red Dead Online, meanwhile, is available as a standalone purchase for $20, but it’s currently 50% off right now on console.
Red Dead Redemption 2 came to PC about a year after it debuted on console, and people have created all manner of unique and creative mods for PC.
Given the huge success of Rockstar’s Red Dead games, it seems likely the developer will eventually return to the series with a new installment, but nothing is confirmed for now. Next up for Rockstar is the November launch of GTA 6, which is launching first on console and presumably coming to PC later.
