‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ second only to ‘GTA V’, says studio

Image: Rockstar Games/YouTube LLC via AFP Relaxnews

The late October release of Wild West video game “Red Dead Redemption 2” resulted in the second-biggest entertainment launch of all time, according to studio network Rockstar Games.

When “Grand Theft Auto V” launched on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2013, it generated $800 million in two days and $1 billion in three.

Despite adopting many of its more famous sibling’s characteristics, “Red Dead Redemption 2” probably couldn’t have hoped to clinch the crown, but according to the studio network behind both releases, Rockstar Games, it certainly came close.

Having launched on Oct. 26 across PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, a $725 million worldwide tally puts it behind only “GTA V”.

BUY: Red Dead Redemption 2 Game

An average price of $59.99 per retail copy, an assumption that ignores the $79.99 special edition and $399 console bundle, suggests as many as 12 million unit sales.

Earlier in October, video game publisher Activision posted a three-day take of $500 million for “Call of Duty: Black Ops 4”.

The annual “Call of Duty” franchise had launched three weeks earlier than usual, and two weeks before the arrival of “Red Dead Redemption 2”.

High-profile action games “Fallout 76” and “Hitman 2” arrive the week of Nov. 13, creating an effective two week buffer either side of “RDR2” with “Battlefield V” set for a Nov. 20 launch.

Publishers can use early sales numbers to further encourage consumer uptake in the days following a game’s release, while demonstrating commercial value to investors. JB

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