Read Dead

Identifying and analyzing the literary influences of Red Dead Redemption 2. Octavia.

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

@SamsungMobile This is WILD to say when you're literally discontinuing the basic-ass texting app and trying to force people to switch to google lol

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

Added to this piece: close reading reveals more evidence of Rockstar's racism. Also, Charles Manson, maybe? https://t.co/zBEBkqivzp

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

dis gust ing

[PC Gamer @pcgamer]

PUBG maker Krafton is an AI defense company now, signs deal with Korean aerospace firm that includes investment of up to $1 billion aiming 'to expand the physical AI ecosystem' https://t.co/6Erq88pFLF

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

Added to this piece: a visual comparison of Dutch Van der Linde and George Gordon, Lord Byron.
https://t.co/aPeLoLMURP

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

Highlighting some site updates! To begin: discovering the historical fight that inspired RDR2's "Americans at Rest." Also, over 100 years later, I definitively exonerate Sontag & Evans of one of the murders they were accused of. NBD! https://t.co/8IwYfNU5FT

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

NEW on Read Dead: … everything! The site has been completely redesigned. The essays have been edited for clarity and updated with new evidence. Many new photos, inc. classical art bc fuck generative AI. Also, DARK MODE now available!
https://t.co/kmN9MJP0qy

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

Haven't been checking socials because I've been so hyperfocused on my research. I've been gaining a ton of insight into the specific historical events RDR2 draws on; can't wait to share with you all!!

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

Honestly, at this point it's just embarrassing that Rockstar tries to pull off this badboy outlaw branding when they're out here busting unions. hey Leviticus Cornwall go fuck yourself

[Besk @BeskInfinity]

I don't understand why people just blatantly believe Rockstar Games these people showed or leaked something from the company when it's obvious Union Busting in my opinion. These people have been mistreated and someone should investigate Rockstar Games and it's workers

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

Very much agree. I've studied the game *a lot,* and they left it all on the court.

That said, I think Rockstar will make as many RDR games as people will pay for.

[GamesRadar+ @GamesRadar]

Opinion | I'd prefer to be left wanting more than wishing something never existed https://t.co/tBIzJQjkmc

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

Next person to interview Dan Houser (in 2040, I'm guessing?), do me a solid and bring along my list of as-yet-unidentified allusions in RDR2. At this point, it's not even that long

[Lex Fridman @lexfridman]

Here's my conversation with Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games and legendary creative mind behind Grand Theft Auto (GTA) and Red Dead Redemption series of video games.

I have spent hundreds of hours in worlds that Dan helped create. So, this was an incredible honor and pleasure for me.

It's here on X in full and is up everywhere else (see comment).

Timestamps:
0:00 - Episode highlight
1:17 - Introduction
3:03 - Greatest films of all time
15:16 - Making video games
18:07 - GTA 3
21:26 - Open world video games
24:13 - Character creation
27:40 - Superintelligent AI in A Better Paradise
36:52 - Can LLMs write video games?
41:12 - Creating GTA 4 and GTA 5
52:47 - Hard work and Rockstar's culture of excellence
56:27 - GTA 6
1:13:17 - Red Dead Redemption 2
1:53:10 - DLCs for GTA and Red Dead Redemption
1:59:29 - Leaving Rockstar Games
2:08:53 - Greatest game of all time
2:13:41 - Life lessons from father
2:15:59 - Mortality
2:33:18 - Advice for young people
2:39:20 - Future of video games

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

Working on site updates and some edits/expansions to early pieces! Stay tuned 🩵

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

My sincere thanks to everyone who's supported my work thus far! There will be more updates to the site, but this is the end of the main body of Read Dead.

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

The grand conclusion of Read Dead! On punishment, fatherhood, redemption, and the perils of using as many sources as Red Dead Redemption 2 does.

https://t.co/0kIo7HgfAF

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

Read Dead's penultimate post! (for now?) Scenes and dialog from Warlock that show up in #rdr2, including Sadie absolutely walloping a guy, Dutch crushing Arthur's hand, Baylock's design, and more.
https://t.co/1vrTjnr4M1

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

Read Dead's penultimate post! (for now?) Scenes and dialog from Warlock that show up in #rdr2, including Sadie absolutely walloping a guy, Dutch crushing Arthur's hand, Baylock's design, and more.
https://t.co/1vrTjnr4M1

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

History and Oakley Hall's novel Warlock are the warp and weft of much of RDR2's lore. Here's how Wild Bill Hickok, Ike Clanton, and other famous figures show up in RDR2, or in cut content. https://t.co/NMW8fFBUd8

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

Doing my best to get this week's post ready, but I've been feeling pretty consistently sick, so the outlook isn't great.

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

Truth be told, RDR2 doesn't often use the most famous figures of the Old West as inspiration. But Oakley Hall sure did. Here's the missing link that connects Arthur Morgan and Doc Holliday.
https://t.co/To4C2jJ4lA

[Read Dead @readdeadreader]

getting this week's post ready to go! BIG announcement: this is the last literary work I have to discuss!!! after I wrap up this section, I'll be doing a few brief posts on RDR2's historical and cinematic influences.