Rockstar Games is considered one of the most prestigious developers in the open-world genre, and many would point to Red Dead Redemption 2 as an industry benchmark for interactive storytelling. Released in 2019, Rockstar's single-player campaign invites gamers to the closing years of the Old West beside a ragtag band of outlaws struggling to survive. The Van der Linde gang leads a lifestyle that isn't necessarily glamorous, but it does get adventurous, with players having the chance to live the life of Arthur Morgan - the gang's stoic enforcer. Its authenticity is palpable, and an eventual Red Dead Redemption 2 sequel can still push boundaries through online play.
Multiplayer in Rockstar releases often include some form of cooperative gameplay, and RDR2's online component, Red Dead Online, is no exception. Following the example of most other live-service titles, daily tasks and activities will fill a majority of players' time, but a lack of larger Red Dead Online content updates shows that the franchise might miss a critical opportunity in expanding these offerings further. Camaraderie is a recurring theme in the Red Dead Redemption series, so it's unfortunate that the story takes a backseat when grouping with friends. However, Red Dead Redemption 3 could rectify this if the developer is willing to commit resources to a narrative-driven, co-op experience.
A Red Dead Redemption 2 Sequel Can Include More Players in the Story
Red Dead Redemption 2's single-player story spanned dozens of hours, was wrapped in cinematic moments, and also provided a deeply engaging world that remains relevant to this day. To get an idea of Rockstar Games' production quality, fans should look no further than RDR2. That is why a future follow-up is not only enticing but intimidating to imagine this soon. It is clear that Red Dead Redemption 2's Wild West themes lend themselves to player freedom, yet it's something that still has the potential to evolve by introducing more players into the mix.
While the drama of rivalries, family, and outlaw life is masterfully presented, others might argue that there is little to do outside the game's script. Out of all the risks in developing Red Dead Redemption 3's storyline, better pacing is one that could be fairly addressed in a multiplayer setting. RDR2 simulated quite a few immersive effects to bring gamers a heightened sense of fidelity, such as deliberate movements, survival mechanics, and stranger encounters. Between missions, a friend may contribute by lending a helping hand during those quiet, albeit prolonged, free-roam sections.
Progressing together might turn simulated elements (like rationing) into a mechanic that's less intrusive, which would let the campaign shine as individual contributions take on a new level of importance. This would possibly inspire a believable solution too, companions assisted during certain missions in RDR2, often within the context of combat or camp interactions. It's another example of some of the best AI characters in games, even if human party members are bound to be more useful gameplay-wise. Regardless, multiplayer could be a natural extension of those group systems, where allied players have more control over resource management and strategy.
Greater Replayability in Rockstar Games' Red Dead Series
The frontier's rolling hills and weathered terrain already make a great sandbox, as it renders a wide variety of lively environments. In Red Dead Redemption 3, the team may impress fans by applying that sandbox design philosophy to its mission structure. Rather than restricting players to linear paths or time-sensitive goals, co-op titles can be built around intense, coordinated activities much like Hazelight Studios' A Way Out. That example is probably too off-the-mark when compared to RDR2's gameplay specifically, but given the success of Josef Fares and his studio's third-person narratives, those titles could be a quality blueprint consistent with Rockstar's cinematic style.
With a co-op mode, Rockstar has an additional way to balance gameplay alongside the sophisticated stories the studio is known for. Some believe that the Red Dead Redemption series has yet to find its footing in online play, though a focused story suite may steer its prospects in a different direction. Replayability has been a problem for open-world games in recent years, and if Rockstar can merge campaign-quality missions with multiplayer, it should host an even larger set of possibilities. A small group of friends, presumably working as a unit, would be able to influence the world through a combination of actions, problem-solving, and moral decisions - all hallmarks of RDR2.
The Potential Challenges of Red Dead Redemption 3 Co-Op
Similar to Hazelight's games, RDR3 might be able to translate previous entries' spectacle into a format where each participant plays a distinct role. To keep expectations in check though, it is difficult to say whether Rockstar would be capable of delivering that degree of depth under the IP's open-world scope. Eventually, feasibility would become a major concern as the range of choices and consequences accumulate across a non-linear scale. Rockstar Games has plenty of unforgettable stories, but too much co-op chaos has the danger of complicating its famous character arcs due to technical limitations. As it innovates, extra caution will be needed.
On the whole, an online campaign would be a tremendous feat for Rockstar, even with its reputation for cutting-edge game development. Assuming that the single-player's gang setup returns, co-op would be an appropriate vehicle to wrangle multiple gamers within an all-new, sprawling Western. There are a few routes Red Dead Redemption 3 could go with its story, from prequels to period pieces, and one would hope that the series remains faithful in the face of a rapidly changing gaming landscape.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
