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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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How It Works • Games & Tech

Red Dead Redemption

Red Dead Redemption is a 2010 western-themed action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar San Diego and published by Rockstar Games.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Red Dead Redemption is a 2010 western-themed action-adventure game by Rockstar San Diego, set during the decline of the American frontier in 1911. It follows former outlaw John Marston as he hunts down members of his old gang.

What it is

Red Dead Redemption is the second main entry in the Red Dead series and a spiritual successor to Red Dead Revolver. It is a third-person, open-world action-adventure game developed by Rockstar San Diego and published by Rockstar Games. The game was released in May 2010 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Story and setting

The game is set in 1911, during the decline of the American frontier. Players control John Marston, a former outlaw whose family is taken hostage by the government. He is forced to bring three former gang members to justice, navigating a changing world of outlaws, lawmen, and progress.

Why it matters

Red Dead Redemption received critical acclaim and strong commercial sales. It is widely regarded as one of the most highly respected video games of its era, and its success helped cement the Red Dead franchise as a globally popular series, including among Canadian gaming audiences.

In short

  • Second main entry in the Red Dead series, following Red Dead Revolver.
  • Set in 1911, focusing on the closing of the American Old West.
  • Players control John Marston, a former outlaw on a government-ordered mission.
  • Acclaimed for its story, setting, and open-world gameplay.
Canadian angle

The game is part of a major globally popular franchise that has been widely played and discussed in Canada, including among Canadian gaming audiences and media.

Quick questions

What type of game is Red Dead Redemption?
It is a western-themed action-adventure game with third-person gameplay and open-world exploration.
Who is the main character?
The main character is John Marston, a former outlaw forced to hunt down his old gang.
When and on what platforms was it released?
It was released in May 2010 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Dead_Redemption
    Supports: Developer, publisher, genre, release year, series position, setting, and main character.
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Dead
    Supports: Series context, release timing, critical and commercial reception, and relationship to Red Dead Revolver.
  3. Simple English Wikipediahttps://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Dead_Redemption
    Supports: Basic release information, platform information, and spiritual successor relationship.