Red Dead Redemption 2 is well known for its graphics and realistic character customization features. Now, one Red Dead Redemption 2 fan is using an AI to create an even more realistic image of protagonist Arthur Morgan that could be mistaken for an actual photograph.
Redditor FlemmerVermeul used an AI to create a high-resolution version of Arthur Morgan's already very detailed face. Apparently, it took them several tries to get a good version, but the time and effort may have been worth it. The result is so detailed a viewer can make out individual pores and small hairs on Arthur Morgan's skin.
The image focuses exclusively on Arthur Morgan's head and shows him without a hat or beard, though his facial hair is clearly growing back. His hair is shown grown out to about ear length and brushed neatly back, giving him a surprisingly clean-cut look. However, his hardened stare and grim expression serve as reminders of who he really is. This isn't the first time a Red Dead Redemption fan has edited a headshot of Arthur Morgan, but it may be one of the most intricate edits available.
My previous AI recreations received mixed reactions so I figured I'd make a High Resolution version of Arthur, after a bunch of tries I finally got a good version. from reddeadredemption
Faces are one of the most difficult things to get right across visual media, but until recently, video games have been especially limited. Red Dead Redemption 2's incredibly detailed graphics achieved a spectacular combination of eye lighting, facial expressions, fluid animation, and detailed character models that makes its faces very believable.
However, FlemmerVermeul's creation may put Rockstar Games' hard work to shame with an even more solid version of Arthur Morgan, but according to the creator, it was far from easy. Under the original post, FlemmerVermeul states that they had to remove Arthur's hat because the AI mistook it for part of his hair and constructed the image accordingly.
As of writing, it appears that other Red Dead Redemption 2 fans are very impressed with the AI-created realistic photo of Arthur Morgan. Other fans have tried to recreate Red Dead Redemption screenshots before, but this seems to be on another level entirely. Several users stated that this is what true next-gen graphics should look like. Another user joked that the image was a screenshot taken from a theoretical Red Dead Redemption 2 Expanded and Enhanced Edition. A few more users ended up having a conversation about how AI could work wonders in some situations and make basic mistakes in others.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is available now for PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One.