It all started with a screenshot, and since then, there’s no stopping.

The game gained so much attention – despite it not being Red Dead Redemption 2, which it was rumored to be when its first screenshot showed up – that Wild West Online has now jumped a few hurdles.

612 Games’ development managed to get so much funding by the initial investors that they can now completely skip the Kickstarter campaign, and the Early Access program as well before the game is out by the end of 2017. All stretch goals will be included (female characters, rich role-playing and social activities such as card games, and localization) as well! There will also be several expansions after the release.

We wonder if that screenshot that was „leaked” as a Red Dead Redemption 2 image was by an insider or not. If it was, the hoax did not backfire! More images here.