From the sounds of it, we’re just weeks away from Rockstar’s next major update for Red Dead Redemption 2 on PS4 and Xbox One.
There is still no set a date for the big Spring release; however, it appears that Rockstar will be launching the new Red Dead Online content before June 2019.
This week saw a new Showdown Mode go live in RDR2, with no word on something new coming next week.
In Plunder, gunslingers must work with their team to fight through the opposition and capture supplies from a central location to deliver it to their team’s base.
And while fans will be glad to have something new to try out, more story missions and variety is needed soon.
The Drip-feeding of content is expected to carry on through new cosmetic items, with the Spring expansion to follow after.
And it couldn’t come soon after, with new predictions being made about the game’s future.
While parent company Take-Two Interactive still betting on Red Dead Online to mimic some of GTA’s multiplayer success, some analysts believe that won’t be the case.
Seeking Alpha’s Karl Ahlstedt has shared his own opinion on the subject, explaining that revenue from GTA Online is expected to dip later this year.
Speaking about Take-Two’s outlook Ahlstedt, revealed: “As GTA Online revenues are projected to decline through 2019, management’s belief that Red Dead Redemption 2 Online will fuel growth remains, in the author’s opinion, on thin ice.
“This is (in the author’s opinion) likely to lead to materially lower 2019 earnings compared to projections and a subsequent decline in investor sentiment and share price (Investor Conference Q3, 2019).”
Stressing that this is based on audience data, Ahlstedt adds: “Initial indicators suggest Red Dead Redemption 2 Online will not perform in line with GTA in terms of its exceptional long-term recurrent revenue streams.
“However, this is based on initial user feedback across public discussions, and while it remains the author’s opinion this is not supported by quantitative data points, this remains as an unanticipated headwind that has potential to drive the group’s valuation lower over the coming months should this thesis prove.”
This isn’t to say that Red Dead Redemption 2 will not secure a core audience for multiplayer, but the idea that it could retread the success of GTA Online now seems unlikely.
Even if Red Dead Online doesn’t pick up those players it has lost over the previous months; there’s still plenty to look forward to.
Further big patches will follow the Spring update for Red Dead Online during 2019.
The good news is that Rockstar has said that their significant Spring expansion will arrive before the end of June. The bad news is we don’t know exactly when.
Rockstar has confirmed that more ‘A Land of Opportunities’ Missions will be part of the update, where fans will get to continue Jessica LeClerk’s search for revenge as you explore the path of a Gunslinger or an Outlaw.
This will launch alongside new Free Roam Mission givers and mission types, with Rockstar hinting at some single player cameos.
Rockstar is also planning to expand the dynamic events that can occur in Red Dead Online, meaning fighting off ambushes, initiating rescues and defending folks in need.
It follows news that the Rockstar Terms & Conditions are being updated soon to include new guidelines for fans to abide by.
This includes “not using the Online Services in connection with an agreement with other individuals to wager any money or other things of value. Same applies to “Virtual currency and/or virtual goods”.
This has led some to consider whether Rockstar is planning to add brand new features to Red Dead Redemption 2.
However, until something solid is announced, this change should just be considered run of the mill.
