Red Dead Redemption 2 sales achieve single-biggest opening weekend in entertainment history

Calum Patterson

Rockstar’s critically acclaimed Red Dead Redemption 2 has smashed numerous records following its release on October 26, taking the title of single-biggest opening weekend in entertainment history.

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The game launched to reviews heaping praise on the ambitious title, but it appears fans were already convinced to purchase it, as it broke the records for most pre-ordered full game ever on PlayStation Network.

And upon release day, it broke another record, securing biggest day one game sales ever on PlayStation Network, and continued to break the record for biggest first three day sales too.

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All of this contributed to a massive $725 million in retail sell-through during its first three days – beating the $500 million that Activision’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 managed, releasing only two weeks prior.

According to Rockstar (via Business Wire), Red Dead Redemption 2 is the second highest grossing entertainment launch of all time, beaten only by Rockstar’s flagship series, Grand Theft Auto V – which grossed $1 billion in its first three days.

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) confirmed that Red Dead Redemption 2 had secured the title for most ever pre-orders, most day one sales and most first three days sales.

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All of this is achieved even without Red Dead Online being released yet, planned for launch in November 2018.

Given the success of GTA Online, Red Dead Online will likely boost revenue from the title even further.

Even more impressive is that Red Dead Redemption 2 is currently a console only release, with PC gamers completely left in the dark as to if and when it will be released on the platform, which would again boost sales.

Full list of sales achievements by Red Dead Redemption 2.

  • Biggest opening weekend in retail sell-through across all entertainment releases;
  • Second biggest launch (three days) in retail sell-through across all entertainment releases;
  • Biggest entertainment launch of 2018;
  • Most pre-ordered full game ever on PlayStation Network;
  • Biggest day one full game sales ever on PlayStation Network;
  • Biggest first three days full game sales ever on PlayStation Network.

Source: Business Wire

About The Author

Calum is Dexerto's Managing Editor, based in Scotland. Joining Dexerto in 2017, Calum has years of experience covering esports, gaming and online entertainment, and now leads the team to deliver the best coverage in these areas. An expert on all things Twitch and gaming influencers, he's also an expert in popular shooters like Apex Legends, CS2 and Call of Duty. You can contact Calum at calum.patterson@dexerto.com.