Have you ever wanted to understand the true struggles your video game characters face? The blood, sweat, tears… and more sweat? Probably not.
However, YouTuber ShakeMistake has taken this challenge to heart by modding Red Dead Redemption 2 to use a rowing machine as a controller. The results are as strenuous as you might imagine. Upon watching his video, you might find yourself tempted to try it—after all, it’s gaming’s unique method to encourage daily exercise.
ShakeMistake allowed his followers to select the river to traverse, and unsurprisingly, they chose one that spans nearly the entire game, complete with treacherous waterfalls.
Image credit: ShakeMistake / YouTube
In his setup, he taped his phone case underneath the handle of the rowing machine, utilizing the Steam Link app for left/right controls, and the Steppl app for translating rowing motions into in-game movement. While the game features actual boats for a smoother ride, he opted for a canoe, leading to an exhausting experience filled with rowing (in real life).
As viewers compare in-game footage to the webcam focused on his rowing machine, the difference is striking; John, the protagonist, seems to have a carefree adventure compared to the one doing the rowing in real life.
ShakeMistake did eventually modify the game to allow for ‘sprinting’, counterbalancing his rowing efforts with his character’s actions, which made things more equitable as fatigue became a factor. At one point, challenging currents increased the difficulty, intensifying the workout.
Against the odds, ShakeMistake managed to navigate to the end of the river successfully. Previously, he had walked the entire map of RDR2 on a treadmill, translating 17,000 steps in-game, which seems much less daunting than this rowing undertaking. Although, perhaps less painful than the recently introduced mod where NPCs receive tragic backstories before their demise.
In conclusion, this ambitious modding challenge not only encourages physical activity but also adds a new layer to experiencing storytelling in gaming.
