In a rare and candid interview, Dan Houser, the visionary co-founder and former lead writer of Rockstar Games, opened up about the complex emotions surrounding his departure from the company he helped build. While the gaming world eagerly anticipates Grand Theft Auto VI, Houser revealed that the thought of a new Red Dead Redemption being developed without him carries a uniquely personal sting.
Houser, who left Rockstar in March 2020 alongside his brother Sam, was the narrative mastermind behind the studio's most iconic titles. From the genre-defining Grand Theft Auto III to the epic sagas of GTA IV, GTA V, Red Dead Redemption, and its prequel RDR2, Houser’s writing was instrumental in shaping the gritty, satirical, and emotionally resonant worlds that became Rockstar's trademark.
Speaking with Lex Fridman on his popular podcast, Houser described his exit as “a big change in a sad way.” However, he drew a distinct emotional line between the two franchises he shepherded for decades.
A Tale of Two Franchises: Standalone Stories vs. a Cohesive Arc
For Houser, the difference lies in the very DNA of the stories. While each Grand Theft Auto title is a largely self-contained narrative with a new cast of characters, the Red Dead Redemption series was crafted as a deliberate, two-part epic.
"Because each of the GTA games was kind of a standalone story, it’s not quite the same," Houser explained. "I think probably would be, in some ways, sadder if someone continued on Red Dead, because it was as cohesive a two-game arc. That might be more sad to hear someone working on that."
This heartfelt admission underscores the profound personal investment Houser had in the tragic tales of the Van der Linde gang. The story of John Marston in the original Red Dead Redemption and Arthur Morgan in its prequel was a carefully woven narrative tapestry, one that Houser has often regarded as the creative peak of his career for its "thematic consistency" and depth.
He acknowledged the reality of the industry, adding, "But again, that probably will happen too. I don’t own the IP. That was sort of the part of the deal; it’s a privilege to work on stuff, but you don’t necessarily own it."
To hear the emotion and nuance in Dan Houser's own voice, you can watch a segment from the Lex Fridman Podcast right here
What’s Next for Rockstar and the Future of Red Dead?
Houser's reflections naturally lead to the question on every fan's mind: what about Red Dead Redemption 3?
Currently, Rockstar Games is entirely focused on the monumental task of launching Grand Theft Auto VI, which is slated for a Fall 2025 release. The studio is known for its "all hands on deck" approach for such releases, meaning all other major projects are likely on hold.
However, history provides a compelling clue. The original Red Dead Redemption was released in May 2010, and development on its sequel began in earnest just a year later, culminating in the 2018 release of Red Dead Redemption 2. Given this pattern and the massive commercial and critical success of the franchise, it is almost a foregone conclusion that the next major title from Rockstar after GTA VI will be the next chapter in the Red Dead series.
For now, fans can revisit the world Houser holds so dear. Red Dead Redemption 2 remains a stunning achievement in open-world storytelling and a testament to his creative legacy.
Dan Houser’s departure marked the end of an era for Rockstar Games. While he may be watching the development of GTA VI with a sense of detached curiosity, his words make it clear that the wild, wistful world of Red Dead Redemption will always hold a special, and somewhat sorrowful, place in his heart.