January 15, 2026
Former Rockstar Animator Believes Red Dead Redemption 3 Is Already in Development
The Red Dead Redemption series remains one of Rockstar Games’ most celebrated franchises, and new comments from a former developer have reignited discussion about its future. While fans have waited years for any official news, insider insight suggests that the next entry may already be quietly taking shape behind the scenes.
🤠 A Franchise With a Massive Legacy
Red Dead Redemption has earned its reputation as one of gaming’s most respected action-adventure series. Set during the decline of the American frontier, the franchise has consistently delivered cinematic storytelling, expansive open worlds, and unforgettable characters.
- The original Red Dead Redemption launched in 2010 to widespread acclaim.
- Red Dead Redemption 2, released in 2018, raised the bar even higher with critical praise and massive commercial success.
- As of mid-2025, the sequel surpassed 77 million copies sold worldwide, reinforcing the franchise’s long-term appeal.
With numbers like these, it’s no surprise that fans continue to speculate about what’s next.
🧠 Insider Insight Points to Early Development
According to comments attributed to former Rockstar animator Mike York, the chances of Red Dead Redemption 3 being in development are considered very high. With Grand Theft Auto 6 approaching the final stages of production, York believes Rockstar would likely have already begun work on its next major project.
His reasoning aligns with common industry practices, where studios often overlap development cycles to maintain momentum across flagship franchises. Rather than starting from scratch after a launch, teams usually begin pre-production years in advance.
⏳ Why the Wait Could Still Be Long
Even if development has started, expectations for a near-term release should remain cautious. Large-scale games like Red Dead Redemption 2 require immense development timelines due to their scope and detail.
- Main story campaigns can exceed 50 hours.
- Completionist playthroughs often stretch beyond 80 hours.
- Development cycles for games of this scale can take five to seven years or more.
Based on these factors, estimates suggest Red Dead Redemption 3 may not arrive until the early 2030s.
🎮 Rockstar’s Long-Term Strategy
York also noted that Rockstar rarely focuses on just one project at a time. Following this logic, future entries in both the Red Dead and Grand Theft Auto franchises could already be in early planning stages.
At the same time, Rockstar continues to support existing titles. Red Dead Redemption 2 recently received new online rewards and bonuses, reinforcing the idea that the series is far from abandoned—even as fans wait for the next chapter.
⭐ Final Thoughts
While there’s still no official confirmation, insider commentary paints an encouraging picture for fans of the Red Dead Redemption series. Development may already be underway, but patience will be essential. Rockstar’s commitment to quality means the next entry will likely take years to reach players—but if history is any indication, the wait could be well worth it.