10 Things Red Dead Redemption 2 Must Learn From GTA Online

Can you actually believe it's been six years since Red Dead: Redemption dropped on consoles?

That's right. Six, dreary, Marston-less years for the series' most vociferous followers, and for those who find themselves in a fluster for all things western, the relative quiet from Rockstar must amount to some form of unconventional torture; like forcing moviegoers to watch Adam Sandler's 'The Ridiculous Six' on an infinite loop.

Granted, even Rockstar couldn't muster up a torture as sadistic as Happy Madison's assembly line of visual horrors, but let's face it, none of us know how GTA: Online continues to eek out an existence. Sure, there have been a few updates that managed to reinvigorate the game's multiplayer component, but for many, the mode continues to cast a shadow on the studio's once exemplary line of triple-A releases - a moneymaking distraction that would, it seems, appear to divert attention away from the company's hotter properties; one of which includes Red Dead Redemption 2.

Considering the nigh-monstrous success GTA: Online has brought Rockstar, it would be incredibly foolish to even ponder the suggestion that the sequel to Redemption would offer a single-player only experience. Not least of which because the last title had multiplayer too, but, given just how popular online is, the western we are all eagerly anticipating is extremely likely to place such a mode front and centre to its proceedings.

The prospect of an online-centric Red Dead may raise some eyebrows at first, but be honest with yourself, no one could possibly pass up on heists with a 19th century motif. That said, there are a number of things Rockstar need to amend from their all-singing, all microtransaction-processing behemoth, starting with...

Whether or not you loathe the microtransaction-heavy nature of GTA: Online, there's no denying it's been a game changer. I mean, can you honestly recall a franchise as big as GTA actually offering what is essentially free DLC, without deviation?

I say 'free' sparingly, because, to be honest, it's not really free, is it?

GTA Online found a way to sustain itself entirely through the title's Shark Cards. When a new update rolls around, the price of admission to enjoy its delights is almost always terrifying, and certainly unattainable if your main source of virtual income stems from doing the various heists and jobs Los Santos has to offer.

If you have the hours to spare then the high entry fees of online are completely negligible, but personally, I'd much prefer a straight-up 'pay to play' model for any potential DLC in Red Dead's future. Not only would that guarantee a single-player extension - one that's been MIA from GTA for some time now - but it would eliminate the paywall that's so badly alienated so much of Rockstar's player base.

Plus, it wouldn't make a whole lot of sense to price certain steeds, ranches, and weapons at astronomical rates in the 19th century. Level the playing field and it'll make for a far better experience.