The character in Rockstar’s game was supposed to be much less attractive, but the developers changed that.
Arthur Morgan is one of the most well-written and beloved characters in the gaming industry. Some players consider him the greatest game character ever, though not everyone agrees. Players know him for his exceptional character development as a legendary gunslinger. Although rarely mentioned, Arthur Morgan is also quite handsome. His personality and appearance match his character perfectly in Red Dead Redemption 2. But what if we told you that the original plans were for him to be less attractive?
While the early concept art isn’t ugly, per se, it falls far short of the final version. Therefore, we can conclude that Rockstar initially planned to make Arthur less attractive but later made significant changes that resulted in the iconic design we know today. We wouldn’t say Arthur is ugly in the concept art, but we would describe him as less attractive overall. The final design is more attractive, with a more refined facial structure that better suits his personality. His robust yet balanced appearance complements his depth, strength, and emotional complexity.
That said, it probably wouldn’t have been a big problem if the concept art had been used as the final design. However, it is now difficult to judge objectively because fans have played the game and grown fond of Arthur Morgan. Due to this emotional attachment, players are naturally biased toward the final version and may think it suits the character better.
Nevertheless, this comparison highlights an important point. Players are generally attracted to attractive protagonists, and the industry is aware of this preference. Developers often refine character designs to ensure broader appeal while maintaining realism and, of course, personality.
Source: Tech4gamers
