<P> Though a technology demonstration was shown in 2005 , Red Dead Redemption was first formally announced by Rockstar Games on February 3 , 2009 . They released its debut trailer on December 1 , 2009 , introducing the game 's protagonist . The game missed its original projected April 2010 release date , pushed back to May 18 , 2010 to allow for further polishing . To spur pre-order game sales , Rockstar collaborated with several retail outlets to provide pre-order bonuses . These included exclusive in - game outfits , weapons and horses , as well as the game 's official soundtrack . </P>
when did red dead redemption 1 come out
May 18 , 2010