The Red Dead Redemption series had carved a special place for itself in gaming by providing an immersive Western gaming experience, allowing gamers to live as outlaws in the Wild West. Although there are other Western games that draw from Western movies, none of them do it on the scale of the Red Dead Redemption series. The franchise focuses on the Van der Linde gang which is led by the silver-tongued crook Dutch Van der Linde. The gang is a tight-knit family, and between Red Dead Redemption and its prequel, players learn a lot about each of its members.
Naturally, the main members of the gang get the most attention. Hence, players know almost everything about characters like Dutch, Arthur, John, and Hosea. However, despite being around for a long time, Bill does not get as much attention as he deserves. Rockstar Games could rectify this through a Red Dead Redemption remake that expands on Bill's character a little more.
Who Is Bill Williamson?
Bill Williamson was born in 1866. His birth name is Marion, but he prefers the name he chose for himself. During his early years, his family life was troubled, and his father lost his mind from drinking too much moonshine. In Red Dead Redemption 2, players can find a letter that reveals that Bill served in the military, and he was dishonorably discharged for "attempted murder and deviancy" in December 1892. The details behind his attempted murder and deviancy are never revealed, though that has not stopped gamers from speculating.
After being kicked out of the military, Bill slips into a life of crime, and he eventually crosses paths with Dutch. It does not take long before Bill becomes part of the Van der Linde gang where he proves himself to be a competent gunman. Bill sides with Dutch when the gang disintegrates, although his loyalty to him does not last for long because he eventually starts his own gang. The gang grows, and soon enough it becomes a powerful organization that is feared by all who are familiar with it.
Bill's downfall comes through John, who is hunting down former members of the Van der Linde gang to save his family, which is being held hostage by the government. Players can kill Bill in Red Dead Redemption, although if they choose to progress without doing so, Reyes will complete the task instead. Although Bill is portrayed as a villain in Red Dead Redemption, Red Dead Redemption 2 sheds light on his more likable characteristics. He has a sense of humor, he is as loyal as they come, and he shares a touching friendship with Javier Escuella.
How Could Bill's Character Be Explored?
Bill's sexuality has frequently been a topic of conversation. Throughout Red Dead Redemption 2, some clues suggest that Bill may be bisexual or homosexual and that it may be a bit of an open secret in the gang. Arthur says Bill has a "big secret," though he never reveals what it is, and when Bill gets into a tussle, Arthur asks whether Bill is going to kiss or punch his opponent. Similarly, when engaging in a bit of wordplay, Hosea Matthews mentions "Lenny and Jenny," pairing Lenny up with someone who has a girl's same. He also does the same with Arthur, mentioning "Arthur and Martha." However, when it comes to Bill, he mentions "Bill and Phil." A Red Dead Redemption remake could delve a bit deeper into Bill's sexuality and, instead of merely hinting that he might be attracted to men, the game could explore how he grapples with his identity while being an outlaw cowboy.
A remake could also delve a bit more into Bill's past and his family. It is clear that his childhood was negatively impacted by alcohol, yet Bill indulges in alcohol, turning him into a laughingstock in the Van der Linde gang. It would be worthwhile for a remake to explore how Bill was affected by seeing his father being deteriorated from alcohol, and how it influences his own alcoholism.
It is also clear that Bill's personality shifts between Red Dead Redemption and Red Dead Redemption 2, though one cannot be certain what exactly causes the change. In Red Dead Redemption 2, Bill is capable of criminal acts. However, by the time the events of Red Dead Redemption roll around, Bill is a cold-blooded killer who is capable of heinous acts and has no morals. It could be a result of his drinking. However, it could also be due to events that occur between the two games, and a remake could reveal what those events are.
Will Gamers Get a Red Dead Redemption Remake?
Red Dead Redemption was released in 2010, but it is still an easy game to jump into for modern gamers thanks to its stellar visuals and impactful story. However, for years there have been rumors that Rockstar is working on a Red Dead Redemption remake. In recent times, the rumors have become more believable due to Rockstar's willingness to deliver more remakes and remasters. In 2021, Rockstar released Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition which polishes the classic GTA trilogy for modern gaming systems, and this was followed by the 2022 release of the remastered version of Grand Theft Auto 5.
Gamers can expect more remakes and remasters from Rockstar because, as Take-Two Interactive revealed in an investor presentation, Rockstar plans to release nine new iterations of previously released titles. There is a chance that Red Dead Redemption may be one of those titles, as the Red Dead Redemption series has been very profitable for Rockstar, with Red Dead Redemption selling around 23 million units to date. There are plenty of characters in the Van der Linde gang who are complex enough to deserve an entire game of their own. However, if Rockstar does decide to deliver a Red Dead Redemption remake, Bill would be the best character to explore further. He is far more than a psychopathic villain, and his mix of sympathetic and repulsive characteristics make him an unforgettable character.
Red Dead Redemption is available on PS3 and Xbox 360.