Red Dead Redemption 2 has finally released for PC, but things are kind of messy for the game on Steam. Developer Rockstar is rather notorious for botched PC releases, having just recently released a full-fledged game launcher. PC gamers around the world have patiently been waiting for Red Dead Redemption 2 to come to computers, but now it seems for many that patience has been replaced by frustration.
Last year, Red Dead Redemption 2 shattered sales records in its opening weekend. And the game wasn't just a commercial success, many outlets praised it as one of the best games of the decade. Since launch on consoles, Red Dead 2 has introduced a massive online mode that allows players to create their own cowboy or cowgirl and explore the wild west. There have been numerous updates to both the single-player and multiplayer as well; bringing bug fixes and new content in spades.
The ardent holdouts who have waited for the Steam release of Red Dead Redemption 2 have been quick to voice their disappointment. Although the game released over a month ago on Rockstar's game launcher, many PC gamers opted to wait for the Steam release. Red Dead 2's launch on the Rockstar game launcher was rocky to say the least. Players reported numerous bugs, game crashes and performance issues. Seemingly, Rockstar would surely clean up these problems before the games release on PC. Sadly, this hasn't been the case, as many Steam users are pointing out the same problems that plagued the PC launch in October.
As of today, the user reviews on Steam for Red Dead 2 are mixed. And mixed reviews for the game should indicate only one thing; a bevy of technical problems. Red Dead 2 was universally praised for its story, graphics and immersion. The only thing that could rationally be wrong for the thousands of gamers posting negative reviews would be that the game simply doesn't work. Red Dead 2 on PC promised 4k support, updated graphics and a bevy of new content. Instead, for every step forward, there have been two steps back.
PC gaming is full of the highest highs and the lowest lows. Although it can be rewarding to get a game running smoothly at the highest possible settings, there is nothing more frustrating in gaming than trying to get a broken PC game to work. It should not be the responsibility of the player to change game files nor should the game lock graphics settings. For Rockstar, there's plenty they can learn from this messy release. They've begun with giving PC players an in game care package.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available now on PS4, Xbox One and PC
Source: Steam