After years of silence, we finally have confirmation that Red Dead Redemption 3 is in the works. But there’s a catch: it will be developed without Dan Hower, the creator behind John Marston and Arthur Morgan’s iconic stories.
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What Dan Hower Said About RDR3
On the Lex Freedman podcast in November 2025, Dan Hower, Rockstar Games co-founder and lead writer of both Red Dead games, addressed the question everyone’s been waiting for. His words were bittersweet.
When asked directly about Red Dead Redemption 3, Hower said, “It probably will happen.” However, he also shared his personal perspective: the first two games form a complete arc, telling the story of the Vanderling gang’s downfall from John Marston’s and Arthur Morgan’s points of view. Continuing that story without him feels almost like watching your child being raised by someone else.
Hower explained that while he poured his creative soul into the first two games, he no longer has ownership of the franchise. Since leaving Rockstar Games in 2020, he admitted the grueling development cycles of GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2 burned him out. With Hower gone, Red Dead Redemption 3 will be the first game in the series made without his creative guidance.
Take-Two CEO Confirms Franchise Importance
While Hower may have doubts, Take-Two Interactive CEO Dra Zelnik has publicly classified Red Dead Redemption as a permanent franchise, on the same tier as Grand Theft Auto. He compared its longevity potential to James Bond, emphasizing that it would be a massive loss for the company not to continue the series.
Looking at the numbers, it’s easy to understand why the corporate side is bullish. Red Dead Redemption 2 has sold over 65 million copies, making it one of the bestselling entertainment products in history. Rockstar and Take-Two are unlikely to let such a profitable franchise fade away.
Voice Actors Hint at Future Plans
Even though the original creative team has moved on, voice actors from the franchise have hinted that something is coming. Roger Clark, the voice of Arthur Morgan, has expressed confidence that we will see Red Dead Redemption 3 one day. Similarly, Rob Wieth, the voice of John Marston, revealed conversations about taking the franchise beyond the first two games, suggesting new time periods, settings, and potentially new protagonists.
Leaks and Early Development Insights
Leakers like My Time to Shine Hello have confirmed that Red Dead Redemption 3 is in pre-production. While Rockstar is focused on finishing GTA 6, a small team is already working on concept stages for RDR3. Historical evidence also supports this: in 2021, a LinkedIn profile from a Rockstar developer briefly mentioned work on RDR3, highlighting vehicle AI systems.
This is significant because it implies the inclusion of cars and a timeline jump into the post-1914 era. If true, Red Dead Redemption 3 might be set in the 1920s, during the Prohibition era, with Jack Marston as the protagonist. This would mark the end of the Old West and the rise of industrialization, while still featuring horses alongside early automobiles.
Technology Behind RDR3
Rockstar’s upcoming Rage Engine updates will power RDR3, incorporating AI systems first hinted at in GTA 6. These systems allow NPCs to have intentions, memories, and goals independent of the player, creating a dynamic and responsive world.
For example:
- Towns could remember your crimes.
- Rival gangs could adapt their strategies.
- Crowds would move naturally, and NPCs would react dynamically in brawls or duels.
Character animation will also benefit from machine learning, giving every NPC unique movements, stances, and reactions depending on injuries or emotional state. These features could make RDR3 the most immersive open-world game Rockstar has ever developed.
Timeline and Expected Release
Realistically, Red Dead Redemption 3 is a long way off. With GTA 6 set for 2026, RDR3 won’t enter full production until afterward. Considering Rockstar’s usual 6–8 year AAA development cycles, a release window between 2031 and 2033 seems most likely.
Story Possibilities
Rockstar has multiple options for RDR3’s story:
- A prequel exploring a young Dutch Vanderlin and the Blackwater Heist.
- A sequel set in the 1920s with Jack Marston navigating the industrial era and Prohibition.
- A reboot with entirely new characters, similar to how the GTA series handles its games.
- A spin-off with multiple protagonists or focusing on lesser-known characters from the Red Dead universe.
Conclusion
The wheels for Red Dead Redemption 3 are already turning. While the original creator isn’t involved, Rockstar’s technology, experience, and commitment to quality promise an ambitious next entry. With early pre-production underway, we can expect a game that pushes open-world immersion to new heights.
While it may be nearly a decade away, RDR3 will likely be worth the wait.
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