Here's a comprehensive summary of the Wikipedia article about Red Dead Redemption 2:

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game developed by Rockstar Games and released in October 2018 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, followed by Windows and Stadia in November 2019. Set in 1899 across a sprawling, fictionalized American West, the narrative follows outlaw Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, as he struggles to survive against government forces and rival groups during the decline of the Wild West. The game, which serves as a prequel to 2010's Red Dead Redemption and features John Marston, deeply explores themes of family breakdown within the gang amidst their fight for survival.

Its development was a monumental effort, involving approximately 1,600-2,000 people across all Rockstar studios over several years, employing extensive motion capture and a secretive, character-driven writing process. Despite being heavily anticipated and delayed multiple times for polishing, its production also faced media scrutiny regarding the culture of "crunch" among employees. Following its successful launch, the game introduced an online multiplayer component, Red Dead Online, which entered beta in November 2018.