In retrospect, it’s clear that Red Dead Redemption 2 was destined for greatness. By taking the vast world of Grand Theft Auto V and reimagining it within a Western context, the game was filled with promise. Unsurprisingly, it soared in popularity, maintaining a strong player base well into the present day. Seven years ago, following the release of its initial major trailer, various skeptics emerged, and some of their critiques, compiled by GameRoll, have not aged well—much like expired milk left under the sun in the Wild West.
The exit of Leslie Benzies, a key figure who previously led Rockstar North and produced the Grand Theft Auto series, was viewed as a troubling sign. One comment on Reddit reflects this sentiment: “The departure of Leslie Benzies from Rockstar is really going to affect game quality. He was a very influential force in how well Rockstar games turned out.”
Continuing Impact of Red Dead Redemption 2
As a dedicated fan of Red Dead Redemption 2, I believe it stands above any other Rockstar title and continues to offer valuable insights for GTA 6.
Notably, Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar, described Red Dead Redemption 2 as “the best thing” he ever worked on, stating it represents “the best single realization of open-world storytelling thematic consistency.”
Community Reactions Over Time
Fans of Ghost of Yotei have engaged in discussions about how new open-world games often draw comparisons to Red Dead Redemption 2—an indication of its significant impact.
Since leaving Rockstar, Benzies has released only one title, MindsEye, which, to say the least, hasn’t made a notable impression. Concerns over the perceived drop in quality of GTA V’s downloadable content also contributed to a wave of skepticism. One Reddit user noted, “GTA V follow-up DLC was uninspired; this trailer also seems uninspired. A company can’t lose its best developer and still put out the same level of product.”
Another user expressed disappointment toward protagonist Arthur Morgan, dismissing the initial footage as “completely tasteless.” It would be interesting to know if those same critics have since come around after experiencing Arthur’s journey with the Van der Linde gang.
A Lesson in Expectations
There was always a possibility that Red Dead Redemption 2 might not meet the sky-high expectations set for it, just as there remains uncertainty about Grand Theft Auto 6. However, these initial critiques illustrate the folly of underestimating Rockstar; in the digital realm, every remark is preserved.
Rockstar also recognized the essential contribution of artist D’Angelo, highlighting that his work on Red Dead Redemption 2 “will forever be an enduring part” of its legacy.