Rockstar Games has continued to make waves despite its relative silence for this console generation so far. In addition to Grand Theft Auto 5, which continues to sell well, it has has revealed staggering sales figures for its critically-acclaimed title, Red Dead Redemption 2.
In just a quarter, the game has managed to sell an additional 2 million units, pushing its total sales to an impressive 57 million since launching in 2018. This achievement is proof of its enduring popularity and appeal, even several years after its initial release.
RDR 2’s success isn’t just limited to its sales figures. It’s lauded for its storytelling and its visuals as well as its expansive, dynamic open-world environment. Set in the dying days of the wild west, the game offers players a meticulously detailed world to explore, filled with memorable characters and narrative-driven gameplay that’s both engaging and also emotionally resonant. Its critical acclaim and player popularity have helped it become the second best-selling title in the United States over the past five years based on dollar sales, a remarkable achievement for any video game.
The sales milestone for RDR2 contributes significantly to the overall success of the best-selling open-world western franchise, which now boasts over 81 million units sold all over the world. This figure includes the original Red Dead Redemption and its various other expansions, illustrating the franchise’s significant impact on the gaming landscape. The release of the first game on PS4 and Nintendo Switch has further extended the reach of the franchise, introducing it to new platforms and audiences.
Take-Two Interactive, in its latest Q2 financial update, highlighted the performance of its major titles, with Red Dead Redemption 2’s success being a standout. The company has seen sustained interest in the game, which continues to attract players and maintain its fanbase. This ongoing popularity is particularly surprising given Rockstar already dropped support for RDO last year.
In comparison, Grand Theft Auto 5, another flagship title from Rockstar Games, has sold around five million copies in the same quarter, contributing to the GTA franchise’s total sales of over 410 million units. GTA 5 remains the best-selling game of the past decade in the U.S. based on both unit and dollar sales, highlighting Rockstar’s dominance in the industry.
The success of these titles has set high expectations for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6. With a trailer confirmed for release in early December, anticipation is building for what is expected to be one of the biggest video game launches ever.
The financial performance and enduring popularity of GTA 5 and RDR 2 underscore the high bar set by Rockstar Games for quality and player engagement, and, in particular, the success of Red Dead Redemption 2 serves as a further reminder that Rockstar isn’t a typical gaming company; it’s a studio that creates experiences that captivate and engage players for years. Its success is owed to the company’s unique blend of artistic excellence and technical prowess, making it a benchmark in the open-world genre and a shining example of what the medium can achieve.
As Rockstar Games continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in video games, the legacy of Red Dead Redemption 2 will undoubtedly continue to influence the industry for years to come.
Unfortunately, its success won’t make Rockstar gallop and start development on Red Dead Redemption 3 at all.
If it’s any consolation, Rockstar is still updating Red Dead Online, albeit only every month instead of every week. You can check out the latest RDO update details here.
