<P> Red Dead Redemption is a Western - themed action - adventure video game developed by Rockstar San Diego and published by Rockstar Games . It was released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles in May 2010 . It is the second title in the Red Dead franchise , after 2004 's Red Dead Revolver . The game , set during the decline of the American frontier in the year 1911 , follows John Marston , a former outlaw whose wife and son are taken hostage by the government in ransom for his services as a hired gun . Having no other choice , Marston sets out to bring the three members of his former gang to justice . </P>
when did red dead redemption 1 come out
May 2010