Rockstar Hits New Lows with 'RDR2,' Hides Revealed Content Behind Another Paywall

Normally, video game developers would wait until a game is launched before charging players for extra story content. However, Rockstar decided to forego this tradition by packaging certain in-game contents with the Special Edition of "Red Dead Redemption 2." These contents are specifically “The Bank Robbery” and the “Gang Hideout,” which will be locked in and won’t be available to other players later on.

The developers decided to break the news to fans via a tweet through the official Rockstar Twitter account. It followed the flurry of inquiries by gamers once details about the various editions of the game were revealed to contain contents that will not be available when buying the ordinary versions.

“The Bank Robbery and Gang Hideout included in the RDR2 Special Edition are side activities created specifically for that edition and are not part of the main story,” the tweet reads.

This announcement basically means that players who will not be getting any of the Special Editions of 'RDR2' will be forever locked out of the aforementioned contents. They are basically downloadable contents that are locked behind a very specific paywall and will instantly become available only to those with the money to spare.

As VG247 notes, fans were not happy to learn about this development. Sentiments surrounding microtransactions that involve skins or cosmetics have been fanning the flames of resentment already. However, by locking away content from players who went with the more affordable version, Rockstar essentially made those gamers feel alienated and less valued.

On the other hand, "RDR2" is expected to be a massive game and it’s more than likely that there will be similar contents in the main story or side missions to what the developers are reserving for the more affluent consumers. There is also a chance that Rockstar could change its mind at some point and release those contents as paid DLC or for free after the launch of the game.