Coming off of one of the most successful video game launches in history, Rockstar Games is not yet ready to hang up the cowboy’s hat just yet. Red Dead Online, the standalone multiplayer component of Rockstar’s western epic, plays a similar role as Grand Theft Auto Online did for GTA V; to put it bluntly, it is the singular source of continuous revenue stream even as the main game loses steam. With that, constant updates and balances will undoubtedly be added to the game for years to come, so long as the title remains profitable.
While Red Dead Online is still in Beta, players have already found reasons to fear that the game will become infested with economic imbalances, but Rockstar is still intent on rolling out new features to increase player retention. In recent press release, the company announced a major update to the Beta, a new Battle Royale mode called Gun Rush. It’s hardly surprising that a multiplayer mode meant to pull in money would embrace the most popular gaming genre out right now.
Similar to other Battle Royale modes and games, Gun Rush places 32 players in a map where they must “put [their] survival instincts to the test, gathering weapons and ammunition while the play area shrinks.” The last one, or team, standing, will be victorious. Adhering to the traditions of other such titles, Gun Rush is playable in both Free-For-All and Team modes.
Aside from Gun Rush, Rockstar is also introducing a slew of new updates for the Online world based on player feedback. Notably, daily challenges will be introduced, as well as more emotes and skins available for purchase. Laws and Bounty updates will also attempt to deter serial griefers (aggressive players that purposefully engage in player combat). UI changes such as proximity-based player blips and distinguished markers for more malicious players will serve to make life easier out in the lawless and chaotic West.
Despite some hiccups along the way, the Red Dead Redemption developers are planning to introduce much more content to bolster the multiplayer aspect of their game, from new missions and modes to dynamic events and cosmetic additions.
Red Dead Online will remain in Beta for a few more months, so hopefully by the official release, the game will be adequately balanced and have sufficient content to satisfy the massive player base of the Red Dead franchise.