During MOP’s last podcast recording, Justin and I discussed Snail Games’ upcoming Outlaws of the Old West survival sandbox MMO-lite, and naturally we pointed out that pretty much the only online games in this category have either flopped horribly (Wild West Online) or failed to release for PC (Red Dead Online). All Snail has to do is not screw up and it should be some easy money from those of us hungry for a half-decent western MMO on PC. Meanwhile, Red Dead is flailing around for no discernible reason after the hugely successful launch of RDR2. “What are you doing, Rockstar?” I mused into the void.
Apparently it’s a question we need to revive today. Kotaku put up a solid piece yesterday chronicling the dumpster fire that is parts of the game’s Reddit following last week’s 1.06 patch. Console beta testers are grumpy over nerfs, ugly outfits (I love this one), griefing, boring shooter mechanics, irritating economy tweaks, grind, overpriced emotes, and what’s characterized as the missing “cowboy mythology.”
Of note, Kotaku’s pulled what’s a measure of last resort at least for us – that is, it’s included interview questions it asked Rockstar but the studio declined to answer. The questions are simple and to the point – like, are you still working on daily challenge rewards, what’s up with the “coming soon” clothes,” and do you have a six-month roadmap. All questions everyone wants answered at this point.
For its part, this morning Rockstar tweeted a reminder that the multiplayer version of the game is still in beta and evolving. Today it’s patched in a new weapon (the Evans Repeater) and the the Fool’s Gold Free Roam event it previously teased, neither of which is likely to assuage the ongoing concerns.
“Fool’s Gold is the latest addition to the rotating roster of Free Roam Events, a selection of special competitive game types that periodically invite you to participate as you roam across the world of the Red Dead Online Beta. When you opt-into a Free Roam Event you’ll automatically join the event location before it begins. Like all Free Roam events, Fool’s Gold is a quick and easy way to jump into some fun competition and rack up a little extra XP and cash. It’s also a great way to quickly complete weapon, kill or combat-related Daily Challenges without attacking players in an open session.”
The studio’s also delivered a new care package for beta players with a bunch of ammo and other goodies. Now that might soothe some ruffled feathers.
Red Dead Online Beta Update, March 5
More details to follow and available at the Rockstar Newswire: https://t.co/lfMBhSqs3F pic.twitter.com/1XVqocvgbd
— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) March 5, 2019
