Red Dead Online Frustration Confirmed by Take-Two CEO
In a recent exchange with IGN, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, acknowledged the frustration of Red Dead Online fans. He stated that he is aware of the issues players have with the game. But they need to look to Rockstar for a response.
“Rockstar Games talks about the updates that are coming, and we’re working on an awful lot at Rockstar Games. I’ve heard the frustration, it’s flattering that they want more content, and more will be said by Rockstar in due time.”
Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive
IGN asked Zelnick if Take-Two intended to support Red Dead Online into the future and Zelnick affirmed. But Take-Two clarified that his affirmation was only referring to keeping the servers online. They also wanted to make it clear that any future content updates would be up to Rockstar.
This is like one of those moments you have as a child with your parents.
“Mom! I keep asking dad when we’re gonna leave for grandpa’s but he won’t say anything!”
“Honey, I hear your frustration. I do. And I realize I own your father, but only he can tell you when we’re going to grandpa’s.”
“Mom… you’re dumb.”
ALL OF A SUDDEN the alien gestating inside her bursts through her chest cavity and eats you!
Weird Example, Bro
Anyway. Rockstar released Red Dead Online in November 2018. And it didn’t take long for content updates to dry up. By 2020, fans were confused about why Rockstar sidelined a popular game with so much potential.
GTA Online, on the other hand, has received regular updates and support. Heists, cars, missions, events—Rockstar added all sorts of new content to GTA Online since its release in 2013, and even since Red Dead Online’s release in 2019.
Red Dead Online fans have only received a handful of similar updates, but even calling them similar is a stretch. RDO has received updates, but they are small and few and far between.
It wouldn’t be so bad if Red Dead Online’s big brother, GTA Online, wasn’t getting so much regular new content. It’s like a slap in the face. The Red Dead Online community has been begging developer Rockstar for more significant updates to their beloved game. They see the potential in it and just want something on par with what Grand Theft Auto Online has been getting.
Many Red Dead Online fans had begun to give up hope that Rockstar would ever show them the same level of love and attention. And as a result, the #SaveRedDeadOnline movement has gained traction on social media as players demand more.
Red Dead Online has been left in the dust by its money-printing machine of a sibling, GTA Online. From a business perspective, it makes sense to focus your efforts on the product that is generating the most revenue for you. From a different business perspective, it’s also a good idea to invest in the communities that buy your products. It might not make you THE MOST profit—but you show your customers you care, and that is not trivial in the long run.
Red Dead Online Frustration
There might be some small glimmer of hope on the horizon considering Zelnick’s recent statements. But we’ll have to wait and see what Rockstar has to say. At least we have confirmation that Take-Two is aware of the community’s frustration.
And that’s positive reinforcement for the supporters of #SaveRedDeadOnline. Their efforts are not going unnoticed.
What do you think? Is the Red Dead Online frustration warranted? Will Rockstar finally give Red Dead Online the attention it deserves? Or is this just another case of empty corporate words? Let us know in the comments!
