'Red Dead Redemption 2' release date: John Marston being replaced by new protagonists?

A promo image of "Red Dead Redemption" showing protagonist John MarstonRockstar

"Red Dead Redemption 2" did not show up at the Electronic Entertainment Expo or E3 last June, where it was rumored to be revealed, but its absence did not stop reports about the game from flying around.

The latest reports claim that developer Rockstar Games has been working on the sequel and that the title will feature not one but two protagonists.

In the first "Red Dead Redemption" installment, players explored the action adventure game through the eyes of John Marston, a former outlaw whose family was taken hostage by the government.

The only way for him to get them back safe is if he helps them catch the other members of his old gang, which he eventually does out of lack of options.

Marston was a well-received protagonist and was even named by IGN and GameSpot as character of the year in 2013. However, if the rumors are to be believed, he will no longer be starring in "Red Dead Redemption 2."

It is important to note that these reports are yet to be corroborated with Rockstar and its parent company Take-Two Interactive yet to make the sequel official.

A few days back, there were rumors about Take-Two lifting the veil off "Red Dead Redemption 2" at the upcoming Gamescom 2016 event in Cologne, Germany.

However, this was refuted by some media outlets as the event, which won't be graced by Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft, is unlikely for Take-Two to launch such massive game.

If "Red Dead Redemption 2" was to be announced, it will be much more probable that Rockstar or Take-Two will do it online on their website, as they did with "Grand Theft Auto 5."

Also, Take-Two works with a lot of studios other than Rockstar so games such as "Mafia 3" and "Bioshock Collection" from Hangar 13 and 2K Games might end up taking the spotlight at Gamescom.

As for the release of "Red Dead Redemption," it is hoped that it will be unveiled later this year.