The portrayal of the Old West in “Red Dead Redemption 2” has garnered acclaim for its meticulous attention to detail, showcasing Rockstar’s commitment to authenticity. Recent efforts by a dedicated fan have revealed just how deep this level of realism extends. YouTuber Any Austin embarked on an ambitious project to conduct a census of the non-playable characters (NPCs) in the fictional town of Valentine, aiming to provide a demographic analysis that mirrors historical data from frontier America in 1907.
In his video, Austin outlines his methodology: “We’ll be conducting a census of the NPCs in the town of Valentine,” he explains, noting he would gather information on employment status, industry, income levels, age, and overall health. The objective was to compare the findings with authentic census data from the same time period to assess the game’s realism.
Austin meticulously tracked the daily routines and interactions of Valentine’s NPCs, employing a systematic approach by partitioning the map into blocks and time slots. This innovative strategy allowed him to bypass the random generation mechanics used by Rockstar, ensuring he could collect a robust sample of individuals populating the town.
The data he gathered indicated that “Red Dead Redemption 2” aligns surprisingly well with historical statistics. For instance, the NPC unemployment rate in Valentine registered at 4.5%, while the actual national rate was 1.8% in 1907. Although the in-game economy reflects a realistic job distribution, the precise details of wealth among the characters were more challenging to decipher given the historical context.
One notable divergence from historical accuracy pertains to oral health; the game’s NPCs are depicted with an abundance of teeth, whereas historical records suggest that missing teeth were quite common during that era. Despite this small discrepancy, Austin concluded that “even down to the hyper-specific details that you would dig up in something like a census, Red Dead Redemption 2 is really a pretty amazing representation of a slice of American history.”
As anticipation builds for the next installment in Rockstar’s franchise, many are eager to see how Austin will dissect “GTA 6” with the same level of scrutiny and care. This commitment to detail enriches the experience for players, offering not just entertainment but a thoughtful engagement with historical narratives and their nuances.