Was Rockstar Games ever working on a Red Dead Redemption remaster?

Renowned for their in-depth explorations into the intricacies of Rockstar Games, Vadim M. delved into this mystery as he found confirmation that the game's internal data contained an executable labeled "rdrremaster.exe." With such explicit references, it seems apparent that at some juncture, Rockstar's vision for the re-release was grander than the final product suggests.

But what led to this apparent mid-cycle shift? A plausible theory is the rather rocky reception of the Grand Theft Auto Trilogy remaster. Plagued by bugs and glitches, the Trilogy's troubled launch might have influenced Rockstar's strategy, opting for safer ports over ambitious remasters.

Between that and the fact that Rockstar Games is reportedly pouring billions and years into the development of Grand Theft Auto 6 meant that it had no expense that could be spared for the foreseeable future.

In an alternate reality where Rockstar's remaster of the OG trio of GTA games had been better received, maybe we all would've enjoyed a proper remaster of Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto 4 with a current-gen port of Red Dead Redemption 2 to boot. Alas, this isn't the case.

If it's any consolation, the mysteries and slight disappointments weren't enough to put a dent into the galloping release of Redd Dead Redemption. As if echoing the game's tale of enduring resilience, the re-release raced up the sales charts, conquering UK's PlayStation store and becoming the top-selling PS4 game, and rode its way to fourth place in the US. Even the Nintendo Switch eShop wasn't safe from the game's wild charm, where it clinched the sixth spot.

This commercial success came despite reviews pointing out its 30FPS cap and the relatively steep price. It's a testament to the game's enduring appeal and Rockstar's mastery in world-building. The Wild West might have been overlooked in the realm of gaming, but Red Dead Redemption cemented its place in players' hearts, offering a deep, mature narrative in a setting untapped by its contemporaries.

With this re-release, a new generation of gamers will get a chance to experience the grandeur of the Wild West. And as they embark on this journey, they'll be part of a larger narrative - one that goes beyond the confines of the game.

Rockstar Games has always thrived on delivering engaging stories. In this instance, they've unintentionally crafted one around their own game. Whether it was the remaster that wasn't to be or a simple marketing misstep, this chapter in Red Dead Redemption history is intriguing. And like all great tales from the Old West, it'll be recounted for years to come, as players ponder what could have been and look forward to Rockstar's next adventure.

Who knows? Maybe Rockstar will think about putting Red Dead Remaster on the PC next.