Rockstar Games is still playing coy when it comes to the issue of "Red Dead Redemption" being converted into a full franchise. However, speculations of a sequel continue to circulate online, and recent supposed leaks lend credence to the "Red Dead Redemption 2" rumors.
According to TechRadar, a supposed map detailing locations in what could be "Red Dead Redemption 2" first appeared on online forum NeoGAF, but has already been taken down. However, the industry observer added that it has confirmed that the map is real, as per their sources. The sources have insider knowledge of the "Red Dead Redemption 2" project at Rockstar Games and said that the map circulating online is a "very recent" art direction map for the upcoming game.
If the map is indeed the final version that will highlight locales and areas in "Red Dead Redemption 2," previous rumors of the upcoming game going back to events before the original title may be considered true. Reportedly, the maps showing detailed "Red Dead Redemption 2" locations hint at events before the original "Red Dead Redemption," making the second installment a prequel.
GameSpot highlights that some details in the map also point to "Red Dead Redemption 2" being a prequel. Apparently, a railroad system prominently displayed in the original game is non-existent. In addition, the industry follower also observed that Rockstar Games also seems to mesh together some previous games into one, "Rockstar world," as another game's location, New Bordeaux from "Mafia 3," is also seen on the map.
While "Red Dead Redemption 2" is not yet officially confirmed by the publisher, Rocktar Games' parent company Take-Two Interactive already stated that it is open to the idea. A previous interview with company CEO Strauss Zelnick already alluded to it, with the chief executive saying, "I pretty much know the ones that I can assure you are permanent. It's obvious that 'GTA' is a permanent franchise as long as we keep delivering this incredible quality; it seems quite obvious that 'Red Dead' is a permanent franchise, again with the same caveat."
