We’ve still got a substantial wait ahead of us until Red Dead Redemption 2 drops for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 later this year, but just in case you’re concerned that its online component will have an impact on the popularity of Grand Theft Auto V‘s (or vice versa) own multiplayer counterpart – GTA Online – don’t be, as Take-Two says there’s plenty of room for them both to flourish and have sizeable audiences.
During the company’s most recent earnings call yesterday (transcript via Seeking Alpha), Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick stressed that he believes neither title will encroach on each other’s territory or cannibalize their respective player bases, and that, should players enjoy both games, they’ll find enjoyment in consuming both – it won’t be an either/or scenario.
I’m fond of saying entertainment is an unusual animal. And that entertainment properties don’t really compete with other entertainment properties and that you never need entertainment. Entertainment is something that you want to have, but it’s not a need to have. If nothing in the market appeals to you at some time, there’s no reason to go and get it. And if multiple things appeal to you, avid consumers will consume all of those things.
That certainly sounds reasoning, but with both titles appealing – or at least certainly aimed towards – more mature audiences, free time is a luxury that isn’t always available. Given GTA Online‘s MMO elements, which require a considerable time investment in order to progress, there could well come a time when there’s not enough room for both in people’s busy lives. Of course, this is going under the assumption that Red Dead Redemption 2‘s multiplayer will follow a similar format to its sibling, but considering the standout success GTA Online has been for Rockstar and Take-Two, we’d be surprised if it didn’t. Either way, we’ll ultimately have to wait and see what Rockstar has planned for one of 2017’s most anticipated releases.
Tell us, would you be happy with Red Dead Redemption 2 offering a similar online experience to Grand Theft Auto V‘s, or are you hoping for a fresh direction? Let us know your thoughts in the usual place.
