It’s not at all uncommon to see promotional tie-ins between real-world brands and video games these days. However, finding a legendary character likeRed Dead Redemption’s John Marston being used to sell shoes is something out of the ordinary.
Red Dead Redemptionis perhaps the most well-known game franchise set in the old west. It would make sense, then, for a tie-in to the series to sell cowboy and western-styled gear, but it’s highly unlikely that this particular connection is a legitimate one.
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Shared on theRed Dead Redemptionsubreddit by Ancient-Mix1988, a photograph taken in a western clothing store reveals an image ofJohn Marston, hat and head tipped down, prominently emblazoned on the side of a shoebox. No official branding tied in toRed Dead Redemptionor Rockstar Games can be seen, as makes sense, considering there’s no way that this is a legitimate branding partnership.
While the exact brand and type of shoe is unclear, the original poster says the shoes originated from Mexico. Those in the comments discussed how this likely happened, pointing out that it’s plausible that a graphic designer simply searched for a cowboy or outlaw and settled upon this image. It may have been believed that Marston wouldn’t be recognizable, and thus it would be safe to use the image. The picture is notably even flipped, possibly in a further effort to obscure its origins. However, it’s still aviolation of copyright law, and one that could get the shoe brand in trouble if Rockstar Games or parent company Take-Two learns of it.
Video game characters and designs have been utilized by third-party groups for ages, and not always with permission. As time goes on and the medium continues to prosper, it’s likely that more will continue to crop up. However, as games continue to generate massive profits, pursuing legal action against items like these also become more likely. Perhaps Rockstar will consider releasing its own brand of boots whenRed Dead Redemption 3launches.
Red Dead Redemption 2is available now on PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.
