There’s Only One Way to Save Red Dead Redemption 3 After Dan Houser Set the Bar Too High With Arthur Morgan

SUMMARY

• With the departure of lead writer Dan Houser and Rockstar’s focus on GTA 6, the chances of a new Red Dead game seem slim.
• Exploring settings like Tahiti with Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboys) could refresh the franchise while maintaining its connection to redemption themes.
• Staying true to morally complex characters and themes of redemption are crucial to preserve the heart of the series.

The Wild West era came to an end in New Austin after the events of the original Red Dead Redemption, it subsequently looks like it’s the end of the franchise too. To make things, Dan Houser, the Lead Writer for Red Dead Redemption 2, left Rockstar Games in the first of half of 2020. This departure fueled the speculation of a new Red Dead game and chances look extremely bleak at the moment.

With Grand Theft Auto 6, around the corner, chances of a third iteration of the iconic Red Dead series seem bleak. Even if there is another Red Dead game coming out, how can this be saved without the emotional depth and world-building that Dan Houser brought in?

Red Dead Redemption 3 NEEDS a new frontier

In Red Dead Redemption 2, there is a section where the game’s protagonist, Arthur Morgan, and other gang members take refuge in Tahiti, a tropical paradise akin to the islands of Hawai’i. Despite this section being relatively short, the setting does provide a refreshing new take.

Can Red Dead Redemption 3 be saved without Dan Houser? | Image Credit: Rockstar Games

For instance, an entire game could be set in this location. While cowboys are undoubtedly connected to the American Frontier, it doesn’t mean they didn’t exist elsewhere. According to the National Park Service, the Hawaiian Cowboys or The Paniolo were at the forefront of cattle wrangling on the Hawaiian islands. And yes, there were outlaws too!

The core of Red Dead Redemption has always been about redemption

The title tells you all you need to know about the story. Moving away from that destroys the core of the game. Rockstar Games needs to follow what Dan Houser was so good at; writing morally ambiguous characters like Niko Bellic John Marston, and Arthur Morgan.

One of the main reasons these games are so admired is because of their story and the redeeming qualities of their protagonists.

The games were always about Redemption | Image Credit: Rockstar Games

Will Red Dead Redemption 3 Ever be released?

We can dream about gunslinging, robbing banks or even exploring the ruins and wilds of the Old West or Tahiti but as it stands today, this remains in doubt. The chances of Red Dead Redemption 3 coming out anytime soon is highly unlikely with GTA 6 being the most anticipated title of 2025.

The chances of Red Dead Redemption 3 remain in doubt | Image Credit: Rockstar Games

Not to mention the fact that Red Dead Redemption 2 was in development for almost ten years! For now, the best we can do is to remain optimistic and watch as things unfold after the release of GTA 6.

Written by Darsh Devanand

Articles Published: 1

Darsh has been a gamer for as long as he can remember, starting out as a kid glued to the screen with his trusty keyboard in hand. He’s also a huge Batman nerd—borderline obsessed if he’s being honest. Over time, his love for storytelling found its way into his work, from creating social media content to writing for tech and scripting podcasts. To him, gaming is more than just fun—it’s where immersion, creativity, and great stories come together. When he’s not writing, you’ll probably catch him messing around on his guitar or rewatching classics like The Sopranos and Breaking Bad. Storytelling, in any form, is what keeps him going.