TheRed Dead Redemptionseries 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 theRed Dead Redemptionseries. 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 betweenRed Dead Redemptionand 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 Gamescould rectify this through aRed Dead Redemptionremake that expands on Bill’s character a little more.
RELATED:Red Dead 2: The Sheer Amount of Detail in Arthur Morgan’s Eyes Has Not Been Replicated Since
Who Is Bill Williamson?
Bill Williamsonwas 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. InRed 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 theVan der Linde gangwhere 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 inRed Dead Redemption, although if they choose to progress without doing so, Reyes will complete the task instead. Although Bill is portrayed as a villain inRed Dead Redemption,Red Dead Redemption 2sheds 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 withJavier Escuella.
How Could Bill’s Character Be Explored?
Bill’s sexuality has frequently been a topic of conversation. ThroughoutRed 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 Matthewsmentions “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.” ARed Dead Redemptionremake 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.
RELATED:The Best Stranger Encounters in Red Dead RedemptionA 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 thatBill’s personalityshifts betweenRed Dead RedemptionandRed Dead Redemption 2, though one cannot be certain what exactly causes the change. InRed Dead Redemption 2, Bill is capable of criminal acts. However, by the time the events ofRed Dead Redemptionroll 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.
Red Dead Redemptionwas 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 aRed Dead Redemptionremake. In recent times, the rumors have become more believable due to Rockstar’s willingness to deliver more remakes and remasters. In 2021, Rockstar releasedGrand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Editionwhich polishes the classicGTAtrilogy for modern gaming systems, and this was followed by the 2022 release of the remastered version ofGrand 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 thatRed Dead Redemptionmay be one of those titles, as theRed Dead Redemptionseries has been very profitable for Rockstar, withRed Dead Redemptionselling 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 aRed Dead Redemptionremake, 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 Redemptionis available on PS3 and Xbox 360.
MORE:Why Red Dead Redemption 3 Is Unlikely to Be Set After RDR1
