Red Dead Redemption 3 Title Leaves Gamers Split

3 weeks ago 19

Following the success of 2010's Red Dead Redemption, it was no surprise when a sequel was announced, making way for Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018. Technically serving as a prequel, Red Dead Redemption 2 cemented itself as a modern-day classic which is still raved about to this day, but what many people do not realize is that the Red Dead franchise did not originate with Red Dead Redemption.

Instead, the Rockstar Games series began with Red Dead Revolver back in 2004, which told the story of bounty hunter Red Harlow on a quest for revenge after the murder of his parents.

With the first game exploring themes of revenge, you can guess what the theme was for both Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2, but it does lead to one very important question: which avenue will a potential fourth game take if both revenge and redemption have already been covered? Do we want more of this, or a different theme entirely?

Arthur Morgan looking sad and tuberculosis-stricken in Red Dead Redemption 2.

Well, that is a question that has plagued fans for the past eight years, and as such, plenty of discussions have taken place over on Reddit, including one in r/reddeadredemption when one user asked, "Should there be a Red Dead Redemption 3?"

At the time of writing, Rockstar has not confirmed nor hinted at a potential Red Dead Redemption 3, which is perhaps not surprising considering it has been hard at work on Grand Theft Auto VI for the past decade at least. However, with the launch of GTA VI fast approaching, many fans believe that the studio will then turn its attention back to its second hit franchise.

If they do, what do fans think should happen with the potential fourth installment in the Red Dead series? In the aforementioned Reddit thread, plenty of fans were eager to share their opinion, but it was one comment that stood out the most, especially thanks to its 80 upvotes.

"I'm 100% satisfied with both Red Dead 1 and 2," they shared. "But there should absolutely be a third game. It doesn't/shouldn't be a sequel or prequel, we don't need that. It should start an anthology series, where the game takes place in the same fictional universe, but be in a different location and follows a whole new set of characters and stories.

John Marston holding a rifle in Red Dead Redemption.

"I'd be fine with a couple little hidden-away Easter eggs, like a conversation between townsfolk referencing events from one of the two games. But those references to older games in a series usually feel forced and shoehorned and lame. Honestly, I just want another Rockstar made Red Dead game that has the same level of care and polish."

In previous discussions, thoughts have ranged from a potential Native American protagonist to RDR2's Sadie Adler taking up the reins, but one thing that fans agree on most is the continuation of the Red Dead franchise in at least some capacity, whether that is with returning characters or a whole new cast. Let us hope that Rockstar is quietly working on something in the background in the meantime.