Red Dead Redemption 2 is still killing it in 2026, and nobody realizes it
Despite being overshadowed by the impending release of Grand Theft Auto 6, Red Dead Redemption 2 continues to be a financial powerhouse for publisher Take-Two Interactive. During a recent earnings call, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick revealed that the 2018 open-world western has achieved remarkable sales milestones, including its highest annual unit sales since its original launch year. The game has now sold over 85 million units lifetime, making it the third best-selling game of all time across the entire gaming industry.
This achievement places Red Dead Redemption 2 ahead of several games widely considered mainstream phenomena, including Wii Sports and The Sims. The announcement underscores the enduring appeal of Rockstar’s sprawling western epic, which continues to generate significant revenue nearly eight years after its initial release. While much of the gaming industry’s attention has been focused on Grand Theft Auto 6’s upcoming release, Red Dead Redemption 2’s sustained commercial success demonstrates the lasting value of Rockstar’s carefully crafted open-world experiences.
The earnings call indicated that Take-Two executives discussed multiple factors contributing to the game’s continued performance. The recognition serves as a reminder that despite the hype surrounding newer titles, established franchises with strong player engagement can maintain impressive commercial momentum.