Red Dead Redemption 2 has reached new heights once again, setting a record for peak concurrent players on Steam as interest surges thanks to significant discounts provided by Rockstar Games. On January 26, 2024, the critically acclaimed game recorded 86,717 simultaneous players, surpassing its previous high of 77,655 set just two months prior. The remarkable spike highlights the game’s enduring popularity over six years after its initial release.
The increase in player numbers can be attributed to Rockstar’s recent Steam sale, during which the title was available for its lowest price ever at just $15. This discount, part of the company’s larger promotional offerings, included markdowns of up to 80% on various titles. Red Dead Redemption 2’s price drop to $15 has proven to be particularly enticing, turning heads and enticing new players alongside returning fans.
According to data from SteamDB, the game began to see player counts rise sharply throughout the day, breaking its own concurrently played records on multiple occasions. "It just kept climbing," said one monitoring source who tracked the player count throughout the day. This latest achievement marks almost 10,000 more players than the previous record, showcasing the game's ability to attract attention and generate excitement even after years of being on the market.
Since its release on consoles on October 26, 2018, followed by its PC debut on November 5, 2019, Red Dead Redemption 2 has not only won over 175 gaming awards but has also sold over 67 million copies worldwide, solidifying its status as one of the most successful video games of all time. Its blend of immersive storytelling, stunning graphics, and expansive world has continued to resonate with both new gamers and those returning for another round of adventure.
One notable aspect of this resurgence of player interest is the increased accessibility of the game on platforms like the Steam Deck, which has become increasingly popular. "Red Dead Redemption 2 is still playable on Steam Deck and is routinely one of the most played titles on the device," reported Insider Gaming. With GTA V facing restrictions on the Steam Deck due to updated anti-cheat measures, many players have shifted to Rockstar’s other offerings, including Red Dead Redemption 2, to satisfy their gaming needs.
Interestingly, the game continually performs well on other platforms as well. Earlier this month, it was reported as the most downloaded PS4 game across the United States and Canada, often hovering within the top three in monthly charts; it had even enjoyed extended periods at the apex of those charts throughout 2023.
Despite its sustained success, players are eagerly awaiting news on the next major title from Rockstar—Grand Theft Auto VI. Anticipation surrounds this project, with insiders predicting it will be the biggest release of its generation. Yet, the absence of updates about its development timeline is stirring speculation about possible delays. Some fans have humorously responded by creating parody games, such as "Grand Taking Ages," poking fun at the prolonged wait.
Plans for future updates or editions of Red Dead Redemption 2 also remain hot topics among gamers. Discussions have arisen about the potential for the game to be ported to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 as a launch title, which would undoubtedly entice more players to experience this beloved western.
What remains clear is the timeless allure of Red Dead Redemption 2. It keeps breaking records and attracting new players even without substantial content updates for existing platforms. The question remains—what will Rockstar do next? With consistent queries among fans reitering the "why not Rockstar?" let’s see how they approach the follow-up to Red Dead Redemption 2 and their highly anticipated GTA title.
With the current Red Dead Online event month now winding down, fans are encouraged to explore the current offerings and dynamic happenings within the game's universe before the event concludes.