After 14 years, Rockstar is finally bringing Red Dead Redemption to PC players—but at a cost that may leave some fans feeling exploited. Launching tomorrow at $49.99, the port of the 2010 classic is priced higher than its five-year-old sequel, Red Dead Redemption 2, which currently sits at $34.99 on Steam until November 4. Notably, this isn’t just any edition either; it’s the Ultimate Edition of RDR2, loaded with extras for both the story and multiplayer, adding an extra layer of sting to the PC pricing of the first Red Dead Redemption.
Pricing Concerns and Community Frustrations
Rockstar’s decision to price Red Dead Redemption so closely to RDR2—a far more modern, content-rich experience—is causing many fans to question the justification. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two, labeled the price as “commercially accurate.” However, fans argue it crosses the line into “greed” territory, especially when the port offers only minimal modern features, such as ultrawide, HDR, DLSS, and high refresh rate support.
Had this release been timely, say a decade ago, perhaps it would’ve been met with less frustration. However, arriving on PC more than a decade later, fans find themselves questioning if the steep cost reflects the game’s true value in 2024.
Rockstar’s History with PC Ports
This situation mirrors Rockstar’s approach to other PC releases, often launching them at full price and months, if not years, after their initial console release. For instance, there’s the high likelihood Grand Theft Auto 6 will face a similar delayed and full-priced PC release after its console debut, a strategy Rockstar fans are unfortunately familiar with. Even as PC players eagerly await titles, they’re met with not only delays but sometimes with ports that require extensive patches, further testing their patience.
Legacy Pricing: Following in Nintendo’s Footsteps?
Rockstar’s approach recalls Nintendo’s notorious pricing strategy, where legacy titles still sell at near-original prices. However, this strategy is particularly divisive in the PC gaming community, where hardware powerhouses prioritize backward compatibility and frequent price drops.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, Red Dead Redemption‘s PC port may still attract longtime fans excited to revisit the iconic western world on their high-powered rigs. But, for many PC players, the high cost for a 14-year-old title feels unjustified and might lead them to skip what is otherwise a celebrated classic. It’s a stark reminder of the cost players pay—literally and figuratively—for Rockstar’s delayed PC support.
