Red Dead Redemption 2 Still Looks Better Than Most 2025 Games, but That’s Not a Good Thing

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As a gamer, I’ve got to admit that even though Red Dead Redemption 2 was initially released for PC, PS4, and Xbox One back in 2018, it still outshines most of the games I’ve played on higher-spec systems or current-gen consoles. In fact, the visuals of RDR2 are so stunning that they could easily pass as cutting-edge graphics from 2025 game releases, with just a handful of exceptions.

In terms of competition, Death Stranding 2 and its Decima Engine might be the closest contenders in this realm, but The issue isn’t with Rockstar or Red Dead, but rather a lack of comprehension regarding why this phenomenon occurs and the impact it may have on future game development, as many studios struggle to meet such high standards.

The creation of “Red Dead Redemption 2” started around 2010, with the main development period falling between 2011 and 2013. Development in total took approximately five years as per conservative estimations, but the entire process lasted about eight years. For Rockstar Games, it was definitely worth it. Even in 2025, it remains a strong contender. Often regarded as one of the best video games ever made, it also ranks among the top-selling video games of all time. However, many executives outside of Rockstar see these sales figures and want similar success for themselves. Not every game requires being another “Red Dead 2,” or striving to be the “greatest” or the “best-selling.” This is especially true when one considers the real costs, both human and industrial, which the surface-level awards barely hint at. Regrettably, this mindset has not undergone significant change yet.

Absolutely, while Red Dead 2 doesn’t stand alone as the sole contributor, it certainly serves as an exemplary representation of the rising costs in AAA game development and the impact on the gaming industry trend. Other factors are also significant, but Red Dead 2’s cost implications are quite noteworthy in this context.

The Real Cost of Games Like Red Dead Redemption 2

Over the last couple of years, I’ve noticed a significant increase in the cost of creating AAA games. This has left many of us, developers and executives alike, scrambling for solutions. Yet, there seems to be no easy fix to this complex predicament. Some think AI could potentially lower these costs, but it’s not without its ethical dilemmas. After all, the expenses associated with game development are both ecological and human-centric.

The recent 10-month SAG-AFTRA strike for AI protection serves as a stark reminder of the crucial role humans play in games, in art. It disrupted game development industry-wide, underlining our essential contribution to this creative sphere.

In essence, shareholders and owners of businesses will always prioritize their profit margins above all else, as it’s an essential part of their role – to generate wealth. If a product like Red Dead Redemption 2 is shown to have earning potential, it won’t matter much about the hidden costs. This is why we see a surge in live-service games and microtransactions across the industry, as they essentially create revenue streams. Consumers are also affected in a similar way – while they fund these microtransactions and cosmetic items, not every game needs to follow that model.

Dollar signs for eyes will make the game industry go blind

The visual appeal of Red Dead Redemption 2 is striking, and the same can be said about the upcoming GTA 6. Although graphics should not be the sole focus in game development, they play a significant role in attracting players and generating revenue. A game’s initial impression, often set by its first reveal, can make or break its success. For instance, there are whispers that GTA 6 might cost $100, which would be a concern given the controversy surrounding $80 games. However, if these rumors prove to be true, it’s likely that GTA 6‘s sales will remain robust.

Due to its reputation, GTA 6 is bound to receive extensive media coverage, including on TV and talk shows. Unfortunately, many of these mainstream outlets overlook lesser-known but aesthetically pleasing games. The success or failure of GTA 6, based on its visuals and overall reception, will primarily depend on the world’s response to it. However, if GTA 6 boasts impressive graphics but lacks in gameplay compared to its predecessor, GTA 4, that would be the factor most likely to undermine its mainstream appeal (and thus sales).

Graphics may not be everything, but for a AAA game like the one that needs to attract a broad audience, they can pose an issue. This is simply the nature of the market and not a reflection of the actual costs. Indeed, it’s reported that the marketing and development budget for Red Dead 2 was approximately $500 million, but the expenses of Red Dead 2 go much further than that figure suggests.

The Human Cost of Red Dead 2

As a dedicated gamer, I can attest to the fact that Rockstar Games, in my opinion, has consistently delivered exceptional titles like Red Dead 2. However, it’s been reported that during Red Dead 2’s development, they faced what is known as a “crunch” issue, which refers to mandatory and unpaid overtime for their team members.

If we do some simple math, if the developers were working standard 40-hour workweeks during these crunch periods (which were quite lengthy), it would mean that the development process took more than double the usual time. Graphics might not be the only factor, but Rockstar’s attention to detail is one of their key selling points. This requires more artists and engineers, which in turn means more people, which ultimately translates into higher costs. And let’s face it, games are expensive productions, and rightfully so.

In my perspective as a passionate gaming enthusiast, earlier reports by Bloomberg highlighted that ordinary folks – those dedicated souls putting their heart and soul into their work – are often the primary financiers of budgets. Regrettably, mismanagement can lead these hardworking individuals adrift without clear direction.

In an ideal world where management is flawless, more seasoned developers could have been hired for Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2 project, doubling the budget to around $1 billion in the same timeframe. However, it’s crucial to remember that the high costs of game development shouldn’t come at the expense of people’s well-being – this approach isn’t sustainable, and overworking people is definitely not a long-term solution.

Red Dead Redemption 2 showcased impressive graphical fidelity and attention to detail, but perhaps it didn’t require such an extent to deliver the experience gamers crave. Overburdening creators with excessive demands and expectations doesn’t seem justifiable – we need a healthier balance between artistic vision and human resources.

In an ideal scenario, masterpieces such as “Red Dead 2” could be developed without incurring a genuine human toll: excessive work hours, personnel problems, or managerial issues. Regrettably, our world is far from perfect, and it appears that the top-rated games of 2025 (according to Metacritic) predominantly feature titles where photorealistic graphics are not the primary focus, suggesting this may not be a direction worth pursuing. Nevertheless, sales figures tell a contrasting tale. Examining GameSpot’s list of the most successful games of 2025 thus far, it’s challenging to overlook the significance of graphics in each game—with sales being the primary driver behind some executives chasing these trends. Creating an enjoyable game, unfortunately, is not always the primary objective.

The Industry Cost of Red Dead 2

Moving past the impact on people, there’s also a tangible financial impact for the industry. Essentially, Rockstar Games is primarily recognized as the studio behind “Red Dead” and “GTA” series, yet the creation of “Red Dead Redemption 3” isn’t guaranteed despite its ongoing success. The online version of “Red Dead Online” didn’t generate nearly as much income as “GTA Online,” and even the captivating charm of “Red Dead 2” might not influence their decisions moving forward. Moreover, Rockstar has left many promising intellectual properties largely untouched.

  • Bully is a prime example of the sales/fun/fan demand trifecta. Fans want Bully 2, but the project was canceled.
  • L.A. Noire was a fantastic game, but outside its 2017 port, Rockstar has shown no interest in pursuing this type of game again.
  • Manhunt has been abandoned since 2007.
  • Max Payne may have Rockstar involvement, but its revival (which can’t be guaranteed) is partially because of Remedy Entertainment.
  • Midnight Club hasn’t seen a new game since 2008, despite giving Burnout and Need for Speed a run for their money quality-wise.
  • And others like The Warriors, Oni, Smuggler’s Run, State of Emergency, and The Italian Job

From 1999 to 2013, I’ve witnessed Rockstar Games as a powerhouse in the gaming industry, delivering exceptional titles across various platforms. Then came the phenomenal release of Grand Theft Auto V in 2013, followed by Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018. Since then, there hasn’t been any new game from Rockstar Games, and we’re only expecting Grand Theft Auto VI in 2026.

This means that Rockstar Games has been working on just two brand-new games over a thirteen-year span. This pace of development might be achievable for them due to substantial profits, something not every studio can manage. Furthermore, this pattern leaves little room for exploring their older IPs or introducing new ones, as the sales of these potential releases could be overshadowed by the success of their current projects. Even if Red Dead Redemption 3 does materialize at some point, it’s not guaranteed.

It’s not only Rockstar that has transformed into a studio known for one or two games in recent times. For instance, BioWare, a well-known RPG developer responsible for numerous hit games during the 2000s and early 2010s, might now be identified primarily as the studio behind Mass Effect. If the new Mass Effect game fails to deliver, there’s a chance that BioWare may shut down entirely. This trend is leading to an increase in the formation of indie and AA studios, but it comes at a growing cost for our community and the industry as a whole each day.

Game Budgets Have Become a Huge Problem

It’s undeniable that visual elements, such as those found in Red Dead 2, are merely symptoms of a larger issue – escalating production costs (monetary, labor, and industry-wide). Creating quality games isn’t enough now; we need to address the complexities hidden beneath the surface. Finding a solution is challenging, but acknowledging the problem is the first step towards resolving it. The relentless pursuit of profit could potentially lead the gaming industry into financial ruin.

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2025-07-06 13:24