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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.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Red Dead Redemption is a 2010 western-themed action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar San Diego and published by Rockstar Games. It is the second game in the Red Dead series and a spiritual successor to Red Dead Revolver. The game is set in 1911 during the decline of the American frontier and follows former outlaw John Marston.

Gameplay

Red Dead Redemption is a western-themed action-adventure game played from a third-person perspective. It features open-world exploration and combat within a frontier setting.

Plot

The story follows John Marston, a former outlaw whose family is taken hostage by the government. He is sent to bring three members of his former gang to justice.

Development and release

The game was developed by Rockstar San Diego and released by Rockstar Games in May 2010 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It was positioned as a successor to Red Dead Revolver.

Reception

The game received critical acclaim and strong commercial performance. It is commonly listed among the most highly regarded video games of its era.

Key facts

  • The game is the second main entry in the Red Dead series.
  • It is set during the decline of the American frontier in 1911.
  • Players control John Marston, a former outlaw forced to hunt down members of his old gang.
  • The game is a third-person western action-adventure title.
  • Red Dead Redemption is widely regarded as an acclaimed and commercially successful title.
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Canadian context

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.

Frequently asked questions

What type of game is Red Dead Redemption?
It is a western-themed action-adventure video game with third-person gameplay and open-world elements.
Who developed Red Dead Redemption?
Rockstar San Diego developed the game, and Rockstar Games published it.
When was Red Dead Redemption released?
It was released in May 2010.
Who is the main character?
The main character is John Marston, a former outlaw.
What is Red Dead Redemption set in?
It is set in 1911 during the decline of the American frontier.

References

  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.