If you are a PC gamer, then definitely this is a lucky day for you do you know why? Because Red Dead Redemption PC release is not a myth anymore; it is a reality as on 29th October, this game, which was mainly available on PlayStation and Xbox, finally got its grand debut on PC by arriving on the Steam platform. However, the release of this game on PC has also drawn controversy among gamers due to the price, as Rockstar is charging $50 for this game.
The fans can’t accept that the company is charging such a high amount of price for a game that came 14 years ago. I know the question is also looming in your mind: is it worth it? However, before that, we need to see what are the specific reasons besides it that the fans are backlashing and why Rockstar is charging $50 for such an old game.
Pre-load Red Dead Redemption and Undead Nightmare for PC now from the Rockstar Games Launcher or Steam to prepare for next week’s launch.
Pre-purchase now: https://t.co/WWWUvfswJ3 pic.twitter.com/LKYVADN3aE
— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) October 24, 2024
The backlash of the fans
Since the announcement that the Red Dead Redemption PC version will be charged $50, the fans have provided huge backlash towards the company. Not due to the game being 14 years old, but some fans even stated that there is no reason for the game to cost such an absurd price, especially when the game even deleted there multiplayer option on PC. Some even stated that the game is itself costlier than its sequel, which came out in 2018 when the latter one, in terms of gameplay, storytelling etc, is far better.
Fans even stated that Rockstar has taken the fans for granted as they know that since they have a strong legacy, whatever price they will put out towards the games fans will automatically buy it. Also, fans stated that it is ridiculous to put $50 dollars for a game when they didn’t even add minimal new features, and besides that, they even chopped some significant portion from the original version.
Another thing the fans have pointed out is that despite the Red Dead Redemption PC version has arrived, there are no remastered elements that have been seen in this game, and by visualization and gameplay, it still looks like a 14-year-old game. It has been dubbed as shameful by the fans that how they can charged $50 when they haven’t done a basic remaster also.
However, there are a couple of reasons also that have surfaced by Rockstar as the reason for charging their 14-year-old game an absurd price.
This is why Rockstar is charging $50 for Red Dead Redemption
Even though Rockstar Games didn’t provide any specific reasons for Red Dead Redemption PC release to have $50 however, as the reports of insiders, it is due to Rockstar conducted a significant amount of work to make this game adaptable to PC like improving the visualization to 4k resolution and fixing some bugs and glitches.
Another reason, as been analyzed by various gamers and gaming experts, is due to the thought that since the game has a strong legacy and the fans have been demanding the release of this game in the PC version for a long amount of time, the price is basically justified for it.
Since we have heard the tales of both sides, now the real question which arrives whether it is worth it for the Red Dead Redemption PC version to have such an absurd price level.
Is it worth it?
For this, at first, we have to compare the price and features of the Red Dead Redemption PC version with PC versions of other games such as Bayonetta, Arkham City, Alpha Protocol, and Mass Effect 2, which have the same legacy as this game.
Game | Price of the PC version (USD) | Additional Features | Remaster/Remake | |
Red Dead Redemption | $50.99 | 4K resolution, Single player involvement | No remaster | |
Bayonetta | $19.99 | Improved visuals, 60 FPS, 4K resolution | Remaster | |
Arkham City | $19.99 | Improved visuals, 60 FPS, 4K resolution | Remaster | |
Alpha Protocol | $19.99 | — | No Remaster | |
Mass Effect 2 | $19.99 | — | No Remaster |
Games like Arkham City and Bayonetta not only enhanced their visualization but also offered 60 FPS, and both of the games were remastered, and still, it charged only $19.99.On the other hand, the Red Dead Redemption PC version has only offered two ordinary features, which are 4k resolution and single-player experience, and no remaster yet; look at the price; it is $50.99.I think we need to agree with the fans that Rockstar Games is simply becoming greedy at this point. I mean, you don’t charge $50.99 for a game by just giving it a 4k resolution with a single-player experience!
Now, in this same aspect, if we compare the Red Dead Redemption PC version with other games of Rockstars in this same comparison then maybe the answer will be clearer to us regarding this question.
Game | Price | Additional Features | Remaster |
Red Dead Redemption | $49.99 | 4K resolution, Single player involvement | No |
Grand Theft Auto V: | $29.99 | GTA Online | Yes |
Grand Theft Auto IV | $24.99 | A new patch called “Episodes from Liberty City.” | No (Enhanced Edition) |
Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy: | $59.99 | A complete Remastered of GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas | Yes |
GTA trilogy is the only single game that has been costlier than the Red Dead Redemption PC version; however, it is justified because in this process 3, games have been remastered for PC. Meanwhile, in terms of comparison to GTA V and GTA IV, you can see how much this game fell flat onto the face as the GTA series has provided some exciting additional features like GTA Online and a completely new patch that is named Episodes from Liberty City with obviously remastered. However, in the Red Dead Redemption PC version, there is no such exciting additional feature except 4k resolution and single-player involvement aspect with even no remaster.
Even the multiplayer aspect, which was one of the key parts of this game, has been also chopped out in this game. So yeah, after judging everything and even seeing the comparison of prices between other games, it can really come to the conclusion that Red Dead Redemption charging $50 is really not worth it.
FAQ
Why is Red Dead Redemption PC so expensive?
Rockstar justifies the $50 price tag by citing significant porting work, including 4K resolution and bug fixes. However, many fans disagree.
What are the main criticisms of the Red Dead Redemption release?
High price, lack of multiplayer, and absence of a remaster are the main criticisms.
Is Red Dead Redemption worth buying?
It depends on individual preferences. Fans of the original game who are willing to pay a premium may consider it, but others may find it overpriced.
How does the price of Red Dead Redemption compare to other PC ports?
Red Dead Redemption’s $50 price is significantly higher than other classic PC ports like Bayonetta, Arkham City, and Mass Effect 2, which often offer remastered versions at lower prices.
What are the additional features of Red Dead Redemption?
The primary additional feature is 4K resolution, with no significant gameplay enhancements or additional content