Red Dead Analysis

This picture to many may mean nothing, but to many others it means much more that a simple red base with an R + star logo. This picture was released four days ago on Rockstar's official twitter page with no word or hints about anything, but to a video gaming community it said way more than what is needed. Rockstar is a video game producing company that has created widely loved games such as the Grand Theft Auto series and Red Dead Redemption. This picture was released during the heat of rumors about another Red Dead Redemption game being in the works, and when it came out the unmistakable dirty/faded red accompanied by the fading Rockstar logo was a resounding yes to the rumors letting all fans know that a sequel to one of the best games produced by Rockstar is on its way. This trademark red background alludes to the structure of the game and its stylistic choices. The splotchy red shows how the game is not just one that is simply about a burning desire for Redemption, but instead it is a burning desire that has areas of grey, places that the hot red lapses into a darker, worn down tone. This addition of complexity to the simple red background shows that the underlying theme is more about how Redemption can be a difficult, tumultuous journey and not just a quick solution. In terms of game play the player would be forced to make decisions on their quest for redemption that could result in different ideals being portrayed by the character looking to redeem his-self; the worn red background symbolizes the decisions by showing how the can cause a red hot, undying redemption to begin to fade after having to withstand the backlash of many decisions and as the journey grows longer the need for redemption minimizes as the hero progresses as a person. All of this is quickly and easily understood by those who have been awaiting a second installment of the game since their first time finishing it, and now in the midst of these rumors it means even more redeeming is to come from a more complex journey.

Discussion Questions:
1. How does the environment surrounding the release of an image, or any other work, effect the analysis and meaning of it?
2. How can the work's meaning/analysis be influenced by the audience that the work was intended for?