Will Arthur Morgan Finally Get His Due in a Red Dead Redemption Remaster?

The burning question on every Red Dead fan’s mind: Will Arthur Morgan, the beloved protagonist of Red Dead Redemption 2, finally be acknowledged in a remastered version of Red Dead Redemption 1? The short answer, based on all currently available information, is: extremely unlikely. While a remaster offers the potential for retroactive narrative adjustments, the core of the game would likely stay faithful to the original’s storyline. This means no direct mentions of Arthur. However, there is always a sliver of hope that there will be minor Easter eggs that show his existence.

Why Arthur’s Absence in RDR1 Makes (Narrative) Sense

The omission of Arthur Morgan from the original Red Dead Redemption has always been a point of contention. However, it’s crucial to understand the context of the games’ release. RDR1 came out in 2010, years before anyone at Rockstar Games conceived of Arthur. Retconning a major character into an established narrative is a risky move, and often feels unnatural if not handled with extreme care.

The power of RDR2 is in its ability to serve as a standalone prequel. It enriches the world of RDR1 without fundamentally altering its storyline. John Marston’s journey in the first game is about redemption, closure, and the inevitable demise of the outlaw life. Introducing Arthur into this narrative, especially in a significant role, risks overshadowing John’s arc.

Another key element is emotional impact. John’s decisions and his past are driving forces in his story in RDR1. The story and the characters in RDR2 support the events in RDR1. Although Arthur helps John, the emotional distance that John has from those events allows for a seamless transition from RDR2 to RDR1.

The Remaster and the Potential for Subtle Nods

While a full-blown insertion of Arthur into the RDR1 narrative is unlikely, a remaster does present the possibility of subtle nods or Easter eggs. These could include:

• Dialogue references: Perhaps a character casually mentions a past encounter with someone fitting Arthur’s description, without explicitly naming him.
• Environmental storytelling: The inclusion of a specific landmark from RDR2, or an object that hints at Arthur’s presence in a particular location.
• Visual cues: A subtle image or symbol associated with Arthur that appears briefly in the environment.

These small additions would acknowledge Arthur’s existence without rewriting the core story of RDR1. They would serve as a treat for dedicated fans while maintaining the integrity of the original narrative.

However, it’s crucial to temper expectations. Rockstar Games has a history of prioritizing the original vision of their games. A wholesale rewrite of RDR1 to incorporate Arthur is highly improbable.

The Risks of Retconning

Retconning, or retroactively changing established facts in a fictional work, is a double-edged sword. While it can sometimes enrich a story, it can also create inconsistencies and alienate fans. If Arthur were shoehorned into RDR1 in a contrived way, it could diminish the impact of both games.

The beauty of the Red Dead series lies in its complex characters and morally ambiguous stories. Tampering with the established narrative could undermine this complexity and create a less satisfying experience.

Conclusion

Ultimately, while the dream of seeing Arthur Morgan directly acknowledged in RDR1 remains alive for many fans, the reality is that it’s unlikely to happen. A remaster is more likely to focus on improving the graphics, gameplay, and overall presentation of the original game, while staying true to its core narrative. Keep hope for some minor Easter eggs to see if the game developers can fit any references to Arthur.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Arthur Morgan and Red Dead Redemption 1, providing further insights and clarifications:

Will Arthur Morgan appear in person in the RDR1 Remaster?

No, it’s almost certain that Arthur Morgan will not physically appear in the RDR1 remaster. The narrative structure and John’s character arc are the major reasons for this decision.

Why isn’t Arthur Morgan mentioned in Red Dead Redemption 1?

He wasn’t conceived as a character yet when Red Dead Redemption 1 was released. Red Dead Redemption 2 was a prequel, so he didn’t exist at the time of the first game’s creation.

Is there any chance of a cameo or Easter egg referencing Arthur in the Remaster?

There’s a slight chance. Subtle nods or environmental details referencing Arthur could be included as Easter eggs for fans, but a major role is highly unlikely.

Would including Arthur in RDR1 change the story significantly?

Yes, it would require significant alterations to the plot and character relationships, potentially disrupting the established narrative and John Marston’s journey.

Why do fans want Arthur to be mentioned in RDR1?

Many fans feel a strong connection to Arthur and believe his contributions to the Van der Linde gang, and his sacrifice for John, deserve recognition within the larger Red Dead universe.

Does John Marston ever talk about Arthur?

Not in Red Dead Redemption 1. The reasons for this are likely a combination of narrative timing (Arthur didn’t exist), grief, and Arthur’s instruction to John to “not look back.”

How many years pass between Arthur’s death and the events of RDR1?

Roughly four years pass between the end of RDR2’s epilogue (1907) and the beginning of RDR1 (1911).

Why is it important to maintain the original story of RDR1?

Maintaining the original story ensures the integrity of John Marston’s arc, the themes of redemption and the closing of the Wild West, and the emotional impact of the original game.

What if Rockstar Games decides to remake, rather than remaster, RDR1?

A full remake could allow for more substantial changes, but even then, a wholesale rewriting of the plot to include Arthur in a major way is still unlikely due to narrative considerations.

Who are the major characters from RDR2 who are mentioned in RDR1?

Dutch van der Linde, Bill Williamson, and Javier Escuella are all significant characters in both games and play crucial roles in John’s mission in RDR1.

How does the setting of RDR1 relate to Arthur’s story?

Many of the locations in RDR1 are areas Arthur would have traveled through in RDR2, offering potential opportunities for subtle environmental storytelling.

Will the RDR1 remaster include any new content related to the Van der Linde gang?

It is possible, but unconfirmed. Any new content is more likely to expand upon existing storylines from RDR1 rather than introducing entirely new characters or plotlines.

What is the difference between a remaster and a remake?

A remaster typically focuses on improving the graphics, audio, and gameplay of an existing game, while a remake involves rebuilding the game from the ground up, potentially with significant changes to the story and gameplay.

Is John’s personality different in RDR1 compared to RDR2?

Yes, John is generally portrayed as more hardened and cynical in RDR1, reflecting the years of struggle and loss he has experienced since the events of RDR2. This may be due to the change in writers for the first and second games.

Where can I learn more about the narrative design of video games?

You can find many interesting articles and resources on game design, including narrative design, at websites such as the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.