Ex-Rockstar Dev Thinks Red Dead Redemption 3 is Already in the Works

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A former animator from Rockstar Games believes the next Red Dead Redemption game is currently being developed. While fans have been anticipating a new installment for over seven years, this source suggests it’s likely still a few years away from release.

The Red Dead Redemption games are among Rockstar’s most popular titles. Set in the early 1900s, this western action-adventure series has earned widespread praise from gamers. The original game, released in 2010, has a 90 rating on OpenCritic. Its 2018 sequel was even more successful, achieving a perfect 100 score on the same site. As of August 2025, Red Dead Redemption 2 had sold over 77 million copies, proving its continued popularity.

Red Dead Redemption 3 Could Be in the Works

As Red Dead Redemption 2 approaches its eighth anniversary without news of a sequel, fans are beginning to question if Red Dead Redemption 3 will ever happen. However, Mike York, a former Rockstar animator who worked on Grand Theft Auto 5 and Grand Theft Auto Online, suggests a new installment is likely in development. He told ESports Bets that with GTA 6 nearing completion, he’d be surprised if Rockstar hadn’t already begun work on RDR3, implying the company plans to continue the Red Dead Redemption series.

Image via Rockstar Games

Even if a new game is currently being made, York advises fans not to expect it anytime soon – it likely won’t be released until 2032 or later. Considering how long it takes to finish a massive game like Red Dead Redemption 2 (50-60 hours for the main story, and over 80 for completionists), York estimates development will take five to seven years. He points to the long wait for Grand Theft Auto 6 as a good example of how lengthy these projects can be.

Image via Rockstar Games

Regarding the Grand Theft Auto series, industry insider York predicts that Rockstar Games is likely already beginning development on the next installment, even before Grand Theft Auto 6 is released. The release of Grand Theft Auto 6 has been pushed back from May 26, 2026, to November 19, 2025. While fans will still have to wait a while for that game, York suggests Grand Theft Auto 7 is probably already in the early stages of development, similar to how Red Dead Redemption 3 is being planned – meaning it won’t be available for several years. He notes that game companies typically start working on new projects as their current games near completion, rather than focusing on just one game at a time.

Image via Rockstar Games

So, while it’s still possible we won’t get a sequel to either Red Dead Redemption or Grand Theft Auto anytime soon, it sounds like Rockstar might actually be working on something completely different! But don’t worry, it definitely doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten about the Wild West. They just dropped a bunch of cool new rewards for Red Dead Online players – things like the Harshaw Gauntlets and Clairborn Coat, plus extra cash and XP for bounty hunting. If you’re like me and still playing, you’ve got until February 2nd to grab them, so don’t miss out!

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2026-01-16 01:06