Red Dead Redemption 2 Arthur Morgan and John Marston actors gatecrash a university class using the open-world cowboy game to learn about American history

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Imagine being the kid that didn’t show up for class that day

Red Dead Redemption 2
(Image credit: Rockstar)

A university class using Red Dead Redemption 2 to learn about American history recently got a visit from two very familiar cowboys.

Tore Olsson, a history professor at the University of Tennessee, teaches a class titled "Red Dead America," which uses Red Dead Redemption and its sequel as a method for exploring American history between 1899 and 1911. Unbeknownst to the class, Olsson invited Arthur Morgan actor Roger Clark, and Rob Wiethoff, who plays John Marston, along as a special surprise for the final lesson before spring break.

Both Clark and Wiethoff are just as delighted by the fact the games are being used as an educational tool. "To see what we worked on be interpreted in this way academically is a real honor, and the fact that it's making history accessible to new audiences is something that we never really anticipated," Clark says.

"It is really a cool experience for both of us," Wiethoff says before jokingly adding, "We're professors now, too, which is really cool."

As Olsson points out in another tweet, he's also penned a book called Red Dead's History, which, like the class, explores America's history through the lens of Rockstar's Games' Wild West. What's more, the audiobook is narrated by Clark, so you can feel like you're getting a history lesson from Arthur Morgan himself.

Whether Olsson will be able to bolster the syllabus for Red Dead America with Red Dead Redemption 3 remains to be seen. Speaking about the possibility of a third game back in December, Clark said he's "certain" it will happen "one day" but is almost equally convinced that Arthur won't be a part of it.

Need a new solo adventure to get lost in? Check out our pick of the best single-player games you can play right now.

Anne-Marie Ostler
Anne-Marie Ostler
Freelance Writer

Originally from Ireland, I moved to the UK in 2014 to pursue a Games Journalism and PR degree at Staffordshire University. Following that, I've freelanced for GamesMaster, Games TM, Official PlayStation Magazine and, more recently, Play and GamesRadar+. My love of gaming sprang from successfully defeating that first Goomba in Super Mario Bros on the NES. These days, PlayStation is my jam. When not gaming or writing, I can usually be found scouring the internet for anything Tomb Raider related to add to my out of control memorabilia collection.