Why Red Dead Redemption 3's Game-Changing New Gang is a Stroke of Genius

The anticipation for Red Dead Redemption 3 is high, especially after the success of its predecessor. While it may be some time before the third installment is released, there is ongoing discussion about what kind of experience the game will offer.

One of the main concerns surrounding Red Dead Redemption 3 is the setting. The franchise is strongly associated with the Wild West, so deviating from this theme would be a departure from its core essence. However, exploring an earlier time period may feel repetitive, as it has already been done. This also raises questions about the characters that will be featured in RDR3, with fans hoping that Rockstar does not introduce a completely new gang for their next Red Dead project.

The Importance of the Van Der Linde Gang

The Van Der Linde gang's significance in the RDR franchise cannot be overstated, as it has been at the forefront of the narrative in the past two releases. Rockstar's decision to extensively explore the group is understandable, considering the immense presence and lasting impact of the gang.

In RDR2, we witness the Van Der Linde gang during their prime, as well as their eventual downfall from the perspective of Arthur Morgan. On the other hand, the first RDR portrays the surviving members of the gang in a fractured and nearly hopeless state. The gang's story has been meticulously depicted, with the only plausible opportunity for a comprehensive portrayal of their formation being in RDR3, prior to the events of RDR2.

A case can certainly be argued for Red Dead Redemption 3 to delve into fresh characters and perspectives, but it is crucial for the release to maintain its ties with the Van Der Linde gang to some extent. While introducing an entirely new set of characters may be suitable for other Rockstar IPs, the more intimate nature of the Red Dead franchise suggests that exploring a completely different gang would not be feasible.

The Character-Driven Nature of Red Dead Redemption

In contrast, franchises like Grand Theft Auto are famous for their capability to introduce fresh sets of characters with each new installment. The GTA universe is known for its extravagant nature, allowing the games to successfully incorporate new characters due to the exhilarating experiences offered by the game world.

In order to maintain continuity with its predecessors, it is important for RDR3 to introduce new characters while staying connected to the events of the previous games. For instance, the game could delve into the life of an older Jack Marston or follow the story of Charles after the events of Red Dead Redemption 2. This approach would enable Rockstar to explore fresh narratives within the franchise while still keeping RDR3 grounded in the events of the first two Redemption titles.

However, fans and critics alike have been speculating about the possibilities of a third installment in the Red Dead Redemption series. One of the main points of discussion is the potential for an origin story of the Van Der Linde gang, which would allow Rockstar to bring back familiar characters.

On the other hand, there are those who argue that a Wild West setting may not be the best direction for RDR3 to take. They believe that the game should explore new narratives and introduce new voices. However, it is crucial for any future installment to maintain a clear connection to the beloved characters from previous games. Introducing an entirely new gang could risk making the release feel disconnected from its roots.

It is important to note that Red Dead Redemption 3 has not been officially confirmed to be in development at this time.