The massive launch of Rockstar Games’ highly anticipated game was no surprise to anyone. Given the scope and ambition of the title, the unrivaled scale of its marketing campaign, and the media attention lavished upon the company months before release, the game had already succeeded well before release. Riding the unprecedented achievements of Grand Theft Auto V, Rockstar’s follow-up Western adventure went beyond its lofty expectations. Initial sale numbers had Red Dead Redemption 2 at the $725 million mark in its first three days, marking its place as the biggest opening weekend in entertainment history.
Rockstar’s parent company, Take Two Interactive, detailed the success in more specific numbers, and the results were equally impressive. Red Dead Redemption 2 has sold more than 17 million copies in under two weeks. To put it into mind-blowing perspective, the successor to the highly acclaimed Red Dead Redemption sold more copies in less than a month than the original did in its entire 8-year lifespan (15 million copies). Even in terms of huge video game launches, that in itself is a staggering statistic. For a game that is almost entirely single-player focused, that is quite a feat in an industry still dominated by multiplayer-centric titles. Naturally, the success of Take Two’s beloved studio gem has led to a rise in company stock, just like GTA V has done as the most profitable piece of media in entertainment history.
However, as is the case with GTA V’s massive success, there is still the online component to address. Take Two is very well aware of the money-printing nature of GTA Online, the popular standalone multiplayer mode to the main GTA V game. This is the part of the game where the company freely imposes microtransactions without fear of backlash due to the backing of an existing robust and immersive single-player campaign, though the implications are still hard to swallow for many. Expectedly, this will hold true for Red Dead Redemption 2 as well. Red Dead Online is nearly ready for launch, and will surely be Take Two’s new target for ludicrous revenue returns.
Though the release date for the multiplayer mode has yet to be announced, a company exec has narrowed it down to some time in late November, just in time for the holiday seasons. For now, before the Wild West becomes crowded with cowboys and cowgirls throwing money at weapons and apparel, players can still enjoy the incredibly immersive and amazingly detailed world of Red Dead Redemption 2’s single-player adventure, and marvel at the project that has earned its rightful place in the legendary pantheon of video game greats.