Rockstar co-founder and former lead writer Dan Houser believes a Red Dead Redemption 3 is likely, yet he’s ambivalent about the idea. Speaking on the Lex Fridman Podcast, Houser contrasted GTA’s anthology-style structure with Red Dead’s tighter saga, framing the latter as a story that already found closure across two entries.
His comments arrive amid ongoing fan speculation about Rockstar’s post-GTA 6 roadmap and whether the studio will eventually return to the frontier.
Houser can imagine another Red Dead, but he views the existing pair as a complete arc. “Each of the games (referring to the Grand Theft Auto games) was its own standalone story. It’s not quite the same with Red Dead; in some ways, it would be sadder if someone continued it, because it was a cohesive, two-game arc. That said, it will probably happen. I don’t own the IP. That was part of the deal: it’s a privilege to work on something, but you don’t necessarily own it.
Houser’s framing matters because it hints at the creative challenge a sequel faces: Red Dead’s first two games are narratively interlocked—Arthur Morgan and John Marston’s arcs echo and resolve each other, which raises the bar for a third chapter to justify itself without feeling like an appendage.
Practically, the business logic still points toward a return: Red Dead remains a premium brand with long tails, and Houser himself concedes a continuation is probable even if it makes him wistful to watch from the outside.
Bottom line: If Rockstar rides back into Red Dead, it’ll need a fresh approach, not just a new map. Houser’s “two-game arc” remark is a challenge and a warning: a third ride must earn its existence with a perspective as bold as Arthur and John’s.
It’s exciting to hear that there might be a Red Dead Redemption 3 in the future! The series has such a rich story and immersive world, so it’s great that the discussions around it are ongoing. Looking forward to what Rockstar has in store!
a rich narrative and deep character development. I agree, it’s thrilling to think about where the story could go next. With the foundations laid in the first two games, there’s so much potential for new themes and adventures!
Absolutely, the narrative depth in the series has always been a standout feature! It’ll be interesting to see how they continue to develop the themes of morality and choice, especially if they explore new settings or time periods in a potential third installment.
Absolutely! The narrative depth really sets the series apart. It’ll be interesting to see how they build on the existing storylines and characters if a third game does come to fruition. Plus, the game’s world and themes could evolve in fascinating ways that reflect current times.
I completely agree! The storytelling in Red Dead is truly exceptional. It will be fascinating to see how they build on the themes of loyalty and redemption in a potential third installment. The character development is always a highlight, and I hope they continue that trend!