Red Dead Online fans have recently started an online campaign in an effort to increase support for the game. The online component of Red Dead Redemption II, while maintaining a somewhat strong fanbase, has received significantly less attention than GTA Online, which recently featured Dr. Dre as part of a special in-game event.
Red Dead Online is similar to its predecessor GTA Online in that it is a light MMORPG that allows players to create their own character, complete missions with other players, and participate in PvP activities like deathmatches, races, etc. The games feature noticeably different tones and settings, however, as the more rugged, gritty 1800s landscape of Red Dead Online stands in stark contrast to the colorful, absurd world of GTA Online. Aside from this, the biggest difference between the two games, for many fans, is the attention and support that GTA Online, a nearly nine-year-old game, receives in comparison to Red Dead Online. Developer Rockstar Games provides a constant stream of substantial updates and content drops for GTA Online, whereas Red Dead Online has seen fewer and less significant updates. This has frustrated many Red Dead Online fans, with some believing that Rockstar is more interested in gaining new players than delivering long-term satisfaction for existing ones.
As reported by Forbes' Paul Tassi, many Red Dead Online fans are fed up with Rockstar's handling of the online western experience following a lackluster content announcement; fans started the hashtag #SaveRedDeadOnline in response to a Tweet from Rockstar stating that Red Dead Online would be starting the new year with nothing more than a handful of bonus incentives for existing content. This announcement, coupled with Red Dead Online's history of disappointing content, is leading some fans to believe that Rockstar is abandoning its smash-hit cowboy title.
Most fans would agree that Red Dead Online has not approached the success nor level of quality as GTA Online. Some fans might even start to question if they should give up on Red Dead Online in favor of the game that Rockstar gives more attention to. Gamers will have to wait and see what the future holds for Red Dead Online, but its current state is certainly underwhelming, as evidenced by this #SaveRedDeadOnline movement.
The past few months have not been kind to Rockstar when it comes to PR; It was just this November that the legendary developer came under fire for its fumbling of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition. That release, alongside the neglect of Red Dead Online, could spell trouble for Rockstar moving forward, as many fans appear to be getting fed up with the company's antics.
Source: Forbes