But it has negatives, too, like a lack of an easily selectable 'downloads' management tab. In terms of native game launching, it includes positives like cloud save support and simple 'move files to new directory' options (features that the Epic Games Store is still fumbling). The below gallery explores exactly how the launcher works as of today's launch. Rockstar may very well believe that a game as big as RDR2 is convincing enough for fans to skip existing launchers and install yet another EXE on their Windows machines to play the company's most recent open-world adventure. And like Grand Theft Auto V before it, RDR2 includes a massive, microtransaction-fueled online mode. Ever since the launch of Red Dead Redemption II on Xbox One and PS4 consoles last year, rumors and speculation have pointed to an impending PC version of the game. Advertisementįurther Reading Putting Red Dead Redemption 2’s 23 million shipments in contextAs far as a good reason for the launcher's existence, I can't help but read between the lines.

(This only works within the Rockstar launcher, as opposed to providing a code that can be loaded into another service.) For now, once you install the launcher, it immediately advertises your ability to claim a free GTA:SA license. Rockstar did not confirm exactly how long this freebie offer will last.

With that in mind, the launcher also lets players find and boot existing Rockstar games' Steam installations.Ĭurrently, the app includes zero exclusives or apparent discounts compared to other retailers, so why should gamers install it?įor now, there's one carrot-dangle: a free copy of 2004's Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (currently $14.99 on rival services like Steam). This is the first time Rockstar has offered direct purchases of its PC games, as opposed to serving games on services such as Steam. The simply named Rockstar Games Launcher went live worldwide on Tuesday on Windows PCs, and it includes the ability to purchase and install a range of Rockstar-developed games (and their associated microtransactions).

After catching our breath and believing the fractured space of PC game launchers had calmed down for a second, yet another contender arrived on Tuesday: Rockstar Games.

Rockstar game installer