The Intersection of Historical Accuracy, Western Tropes and Environmental Story-Telling in Red Dead Redemption 2

Abstract

The thesis paper was written to examine Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) from various video game studies standpoints. Among these are the historical accuracy of the era, as it is portrayed within the ludic environment, and how immersive it is due to the efforts of the developers. Another one is how the diegesis is told not just through the narrative but also the environment itself, with the use of Western tropes that are expanded upon more than in previously mediated versions of the genre. Arthur is the avatar of the player, an extension to interact with said environment, and how the connection between him and the player is formed. It is also examined how Arthur's power curve, which is a common element in video games, first moves in a positive, stronger direction and then reverses as the story progresses forward.