The power Dynamics of The Wild West

By: Pranavsai Gandikota

Multimedia Content Analysis #2

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game set in the old American Wild West during a time when people resorted to lawless activities for mere survival in the changing America that had come to be. Throughout the story, players interact with people and participate in activities that show how different interactions are affected by power dynamics, ranging from those with civilians to the law and the rich.

In a World of the West

This game's realistic visuals, immersive sounds, and lifelike animation, combined with the setting of an almost historically accurate 1899 Wild West, put you in the eyes of Arthur Morgan. The story begins with a group of outlaws who struggle to survive in a world where the law and the rich dominate while the lower classes are left with the option of either harder work or robbery for survival.

A Conflict In Class and Honor

One such example of power dynamics is in the mission called "A Fine Night of Debauchery". In it, the group robs a wealthy industrialist because they believe that people in high power do not deserve the money. This mission shows how conflict can arise because of differences in social class.

(The image is a scene from the mission)

Power dynamics is also shown in the game through the honor system in the game where the more good things you do, such as helping others, finding bounties and greeting people, the more honor you get and in turn more respect from NPCs in the game giving you a better position in the game compared to if you took to more infamis actions.

How Different Players Get Affected:

Depending on the audience who plays it, the impact of the game can change. Players from western cultures, those who like historically related games and those from places where there used to be colonialism would find the story more appealing. Arthur’s struggle in a corrupted system and the problems of power over marginalized groups and gender prominence can also have a big effect on players.

Conclusion:

All in all, the game shows power dynamics in which the poor depend on the mercy of the rich for their survival and how they are forced into actions such as labor or crime to sustain their lives in the lawless Old West.

Credits: Mitra, Ritwik. “Every Town in Red Dead Redemption 2, Ranked.” Game Rant, 9 June 2024, gamerant.com/rdr2-red-dead-redemption-2-best-worst-towns-locations/.

“Red Dead Redemption 2 - A Fine Night of Debauchery - Cause Desmond to Go Bust In Poker.” YouTube, Trophygamers, 27 Oct. 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnwTa9Nq8ME.

Beeler-Beistad, Lauren. “Funny Red Dead Redemption 2 Image Shows How Much Better Arthur Is than John at One Thing.” Game Rant, 24 Sept. 2023, gamerant.com/red-dead-redemption-2-image-arthur-john-drawing-comparison/.

TheUndergroundManlet. “R/RDR2 on Reddit: ‘You Enjoy Being a Rich Man’s Toy, Do Ya?’” You Enjoy Being a Rich Man’s Toy, Do Ya?, July 2024, www.reddit.com/r/RDR2/comments/ewdfdf/you_enjoy_being_a_rich_mans_toy_do_ya/.