The delay of Grand Theft Auto 6 has created some uncertainty around the potential release of Red Dead Redemption 3. Rockstar is well-known for its lengthy development cycles, but the growing intervals between game launches may lead some fans to wonder about the future of the series. Despite the success of Red Dead Redemption 2, some may question whether a third installment is still under consideration.
Rockstar recently shocked the gaming community by delaying the long-anticipated GTA 6 to 2026. Insiders have even speculated that a further delay is possible, though it may still fall within the 2026 timeframe. Given that the development of GTA 6 has extended over a decade, what might this mean for the future of Rockstar’s other notable franchise?
At first glance, the prolonged development of GTA 6 does not bode well for Red Dead Redemption 3. Historically, Rockstar has worked on previous titles like RDR 2 for extensive periods, with development commencing right after the original launch. If a similar schedule were to apply to RDR 3, we could see it release in 2026, but with GTA 6 slated for that year, Rockstar may prefer to avoid overlapping releases.
Currently, there are no updates regarding a third Red Dead Redemption. The delays associated with GTA 6 suggest that Rockstar may be concentrating its efforts on that franchise for the time being.
It’s important to note that while Rockstar typically handles multiple projects at once, there tends to be a significant gap between their primary releases. Reviewing past launches, GTA 5 and RDR 2 were released five years apart, with an average release gap of around three and a half years.
If this trend continues, RDR 3 could emerge around 2029 or 2030. With the last game having been released seven years ago, this timeline is likely not what fans are hoping for, even though it would be shorter than the interval between GTA 5 and GTA 6.
However, there remains a possibility that the wait could be shorter. Speculation from a former Rockstar developer suggests that advancements in AI might reduce development costs and shorten release timelines, which could positively influence the speed of RDR 3 development. Yet, considering the controversies surrounding AI in gaming, it’s uncertain to what extent Rockstar will incorporate this technology during the making of Red Dead Redemption 3.
As official news about the Red Dead series is lacking, it’s challenging to forecast its direction. With GTA 6 undergoing a lengthy development, fans should temper their expectations, but it’s also worth noting that a delay in one franchise does not necessarily mean the same fate for another.
