Amidst the swirling controversies surrounding GTA 6‘s rumored delays and reports of internal strife at Rockstar Games, another title from the esteemed developer has quietly, yet spectacularly, broken records. Red Dead Redemption 2, the acclaimed Western epic, has officially cemented its place as the fourth best-selling video game of all time, a testament to its enduring quality and player loyalty.
A Historic Ride: RDR2 Outpacing Gaming’s Elite
During a recent investor conference held by Take-Two on Wednesday, March 6th, the staggering figures were unveiled. Red Dead Redemption 2 has now sold an incredible 79 million copies worldwide. This monumental achievement not only positions it as “the best-selling title of the last seven years in the U.S. based on dollar sales” but also propels the entire Red Dead series to a cumulative 106 million units sold.
This new milestone sees Red Dead Redemption 2 unseating what many considered a formidable contender: Nintendo’s beloved Mario Kart 8. With an estimated 78 million units sold, Mario Kart 8 has long been a staple on best-seller lists, celebrated for its accessible fun and widespread appeal. Yet, Arthur Morgan’s gritty journey through the American frontier has now surpassed it, securing the coveted fourth spot.
Looking up the leaderboard, Red Dead Redemption 2 finds itself in elite company, trailing only three colossal titles: Minecraft (350 million), Grand Theft Auto V (220 million), and Wii Sports (82.9 million). Given the consistent and robust sales performance of Rockstar’s Western masterpiece since its 2018 release, it appears to be only a matter of time before it overtakes Wii Sports to claim the bronze medal as the third best-selling game in history. What makes this feat even more remarkable is that Red Dead Redemption 2 has achieved such staggering success without the benefit of a dedicated next-generation update for current consoles, relying solely on its original, critically lauded release.
The Future of the Frontier: Will There Be a Red Dead Redemption 3?
With Red Dead Redemption 2‘s undeniable, colossal success, the prospect of a third installment in the franchise might seem like a foregone conclusion. However, official confirmation from Rockstar remains elusive, sparking considerable debate and speculation among fans and industry insiders alike.
Conflicting Visions from Creators
Interestingly, even key figures involved in the franchise hold differing views on its future. Dan Houser, co-founder, former producer, and lead writer for Rockstar, believes a sequel is likely, despite his personal reservations. Houser famously expressed his belief that the narrative arc of Red Dead feels complete within its two acts.
“Because each of the games [Grand Theft Auto] was a standalone story, it’s not quite the same as… I think it would probably be sadder if someone continued with Red Dead, because it was a cohesive two-game saga. It would be sadder to know that someone was working on it. But again, that will probably happen too. I don’t own the intellectual property. That was part of the deal. It’s a privilege to work on these things, but you don’t necessarily own them,” Houser once remarked. His statement highlights the complex interplay between creative vision and corporate ownership in the gaming industry.
The Voice of Arthur Morgan
Roger Clark, the acclaimed actor who brought Arthur Morgan to life through his powerful performance, echoes the sentiment that a third game is inevitable, largely due to its commercial triumph. In a 2024 interview with IGN, Clark emphasized the obvious correlation between massive sales and future installments.
“I think it’s obvious. Don’t you think? And it’s not like I have any inside information, but of course there’s going to be another Red Dead. It’s sold over 60 million copies!” Clark enthusiastically stated. He further reinforced this belief by referencing comments from Take-Two CEO, Strauss Zelnick. “Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two, said it himself. He stated that GTA and Red Dead are flagship Rockstar Games franchises and that they will return in the future. So, there’s no doubt there will be another Red Dead. But will Arthur Morgan be involved? I highly doubt it.” This suggests that while the series will continue, new characters and storylines are likely.
RDR2’s Lasting Legacy and the Road Ahead
The cultural impact of Red Dead Redemption 2 on the video game industry is undeniable. Our own review awarded the game a perfect 10/10, a testament to its immersive world, compelling narrative, and groundbreaking technical achievements. It set a new benchmark for open-world storytelling and character development, proving that games can deliver cinematic experiences with profound emotional depth.
As the industry looks ahead, the upcoming launch of GTA 6 looms large, bringing with it both immense anticipation and a shadow of recent controversies regarding Rockstar’s workplace culture. The future landscape of gaming, particularly for titles emanating from such a prominent studio, remains a topic of intense scrutiny and discussion. However, for now, Red Dead Redemption 2 stands tall, a towering achievement that continues to captivate players and redefine the boundaries of interactive storytelling, proving that true masterpieces only grow in stature over time.
