Red Dead Redemption 2 shows why Rockstar has to branch out from the genres of the Red Dead and Grand Theft Auto franchises.
Rockstar is best known for it car theft and Red Dead Redemption franchises. Both series drop players into a vast open world in a fictional America chock-full of details, Easter eggs, strange encounters and even references that suggest the games may have a reality.
Rockstar’s last game, Red Dead Redemption 2, shows some reasons why Rockstar might need to start a new IP. Even if a new series is being developed that is still in the same open-world format that players expected from the developer, there are some good reasons for Rockstar to leave. GTA and Red dead behind it Red Dead Redemption 2 bring into focus.
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Rockstar’s genre games
Red Dead Redemption 2 adopts the Western genre which is not limited. The game manages to have a tight, compelling character-driven story within a world that is still deeply invested in a single genre. Except that occasional references are made to his own place in Old West mythology through the references to Arthurian legend in Red Dead 2, the game is also filled with strange and amazing encounters from alien spaceships to sentimental robots that remind players that Rockstar is interested in playing with genre, pushing it to its extreme and creating worlds that truly feel.
Although it is most evident in Red Dead 2, car theft do similar work with Americana, to tackle gangster movies, on top of that Fast and furious-style action movies, and Hollywood itself in its fast-paced satirical world. Both series look like genre films and explore the genres themselves just like the characters in them. Although rumors about Grand Theft Auto 6 has gained traction over the past week thanks to a leaked email that allegedly GTA 6, the developer has also talked in the past about issues that are going on GTAs mark on satire in the modern political climate without alienating fans.
Rockstar After GTA and Red Dead
The real question is whether Rockstar still has something to say about Westerns as a genre Red Dead Redemption 2, or Hollywood crime movies and Americana after five car theft games. While the studio probably has more to say, the deep investment that both series have in exploring and satirizing their respective genres may raise the question of whether a Rockstar game embarking on a new genre could be a richer vein for the developer is.
Rockstar has previously branched out with games like Bully and LA Noire. Red Dead Redemption 2 was a monumental achievement in terms of the scope and depth of world design, something that will be difficult to achieve. However, by throwing him into a whole new genre in terms of environment, story and footage, if not gameplay, Rockstar can pioneer a whole new IP to spiritually follow up on his fan-favorite franchises. This will enable it to deliver the same open-world play and satirical lead, but with a story not held back by previous episodes or captured by expectations.
However, it is unlikely that Rockstar will be willing to turn away from Red Dead Redemption or car theft quite not. This can be a bigger risk in the long run Grand Theft Auto 6 unable to meet the expectations of fans, or if Red Dead Redemption 3 struggling to live out the second game. For now, the studio can afford to put all its eggs in two baskets, but diversifying to explore other genres using its branding style can ensure it remains a top performer, even after the franchises finally lose steam.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is now available for PC, PS4, Stadiums and Xbox One.
