Red Dead Redemption 2: Brutal Opening Cut by Rockstar
The opening hours of Red Dead Redemption 2 are an unforgettable masterclass in setting a tone. Stranded in a brutal blizzard, the Van der Linde gang is desperate, cold, and on the run. We are introduced to its members through their shared hardship, and at the center of it all is Arthur Morgan, the stoic enforcer. But according to a key creative mind behind the game, the Arthur we first met was almost a much darker, crueler man in a sequence that was ultimately left on the cutting room floor for being too extreme.
In a recent, wide-ranging interview, Rockstar Games co-founder and former lead writer Dan Houser provided a rare glimpse into the development of the 2018 masterpiece. He revealed that an early concept for the game's opening was significantly different and painted the game's protagonist in a much harsher light. This initial version was so intense that the development team felt it pushed Arthur Morgan too far, too soon, potentially damaging the profound character arc that would come to define the entire experience.
A "Very, Very Nasty" Arthur Morgan
The Red Dead Redemption 2 we know and love begins with the gang seeking shelter from the elements in the mountains of Colter. They are survivors, not just aggressors. However, Houser detailed an alternate opening that would have established Arthur’s capacity for cruelty in no uncertain terms.
The cut sequence involved Arthur tracking down individuals who owed the gang money to a remote farmstead. Instead of the measured, if intimidating, enforcer players eventually embodied, this early version of Arthur was designed to be far more ruthless in his interrogation methods.
"It made him very, very nasty at the start," Houser explained, noting that the original idea was to showcase the brutal reality of the gang's survival from the outset. He personally found the concept interesting, but it was met with resistance from the wider development team. The consensus was that presenting Arthur in such a negative way immediately would make it incredibly difficult for players to connect with him. It risked making the protagonist unlikable from the very first mission, a gamble that could have undermined the entire narrative.
Preserving Arthur's Epic Arc of Redemption
The decision to scrap this harsh opening was a pivotal one, directly influencing the iconic story that followed. Red Dead Redemption 2 is, at its heart, a story about redemption. Arthur Morgan's journey from a hardened outlaw loyal to a failing ideal to a man seeking to do some good in his final days is what has made him one of gaming's most beloved characters.
This gradual transformation would have been far less impactful if his starting point was one of pure viciousness. Key elements of his character include:
- A Hidden Conscience: The final game expertly shows glimmers of Arthur's inner conflict early on. We see his skepticism of Dutch's plans and his moments of quiet reflection in his journal.
- A Measured Demeanor: While fully capable of violence, the Arthur we meet is often a peacekeeper within the camp and shows a reluctant kindness, particularly towards characters like Sadie Adler in her initial moments of grief.
- The Player's Choice: The honor system allows players to steer Arthur toward a more noble path. Starting him with an act of unchangeable cruelty would have felt contradictory to this core mechanic.
By toning down his introduction, the writers gave Arthur—and the player—room to grow. The final opening in the snow-capped mountains establishes him as a capable and tough outlaw, but one with a soul. It sets the stage for a slow, earned redemption rather than a jarring heel-turn from a character who was initially presented as a monster. The team made the right call to ensure his journey felt believable and emotionally resonant.
The Final Cut: A Masterpiece Forged in Revision
The process of cutting content is a natural and necessary part of creating any large-scale project, and video games are no exception. Houser’s comments highlight how iterative the process at Rockstar is. Ideas are workshopped, tested, and sometimes discarded, all in service of the final product. The goal isn't just to make something that works, but to craft an experience that connects with its audience on a deeper level.
Reflecting on the final versions of the games he helped create, Houser expressed satisfaction with the outcomes. "I think the games ended up the way they were supposed to be," he stated, suggesting that these tough creative decisions were ultimately the correct ones. The opening we received effectively introduces the dire situation of the gang, establishes the key players and their relationships, and presents a version of Arthur Morgan who is complex and compelling from the start. It’s a testament to the team's understanding that sometimes, what you choose to leave out is just as important as what you put in.
This look behind the curtain is invaluable for fans, offering a clearer picture of the meticulous care that went into shaping one of the most celebrated stories in video game history. The brutal Arthur Morgan of that early draft may be gone, but the thoughtful decision to change him is a key reason the Arthur we know will be remembered forever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What was originally planned for Red Dead Redemption 2's opening?
A: The original plan involved a much harsher opening where Arthur Morgan tracked down and brutally interrogated people on a farmstead. This was changed because it made his character too unlikable from the start.
Q: Who revealed this information about RDR2's cut content?
A: Dan Houser, a co-founder of Rockstar Games and the former lead writer for Red Dead Redemption 2, shared these details during a recent interview.
Q: Why was the original opening of RDR2 changed?
A: It was changed because the development team felt it made Arthur Morgan "very, very nasty" right away. This would have made it difficult for players to connect with him and would have undermined his slow, earned character arc of redemption, which is central to the game's story.