Red Dead Redemption sequel "is in the works potentially for a 2014 launch"

Baird Equity Research predicts return to the American Frontier this year. As well as PC, Xbox One and PS4 release of GTA V.

Take-Two and Rockstar Games could be gearing up for the announcement and release of the third title in the Red Dead series, according to a report by Baird Equity Research.

The research firm expects key announcements this year in order for Take-Two to meet guidelines it has issued to shareholders for the next financial year.

"Take Two continues to produce some of the highest-quality console and PC games, which we believe should transition well on next-gen platforms," said analyst Colin Sebastian in the 2014 Video Game Industry Predictions and Q4 Results Preview.

"We expect product announcements over the next year such as extending GTA V to other platforms (e.g., PC, next-gen consoles), the next Red Dead, etc., to help improve revenue and earnings visibility. In addition, the company has significant potential to grow digital/onnline revenues, which should help improve gross margins and add visibility to growth."

He added: "We expect PC version of GTA V in 2014. Recently, Amazon.com posted a product listing for a PC-version of the company’s blockbuster franchise Grand Theft Auto V (GTA). While a PC version would not be a big surprise, this indirect confirmation of the game helps to provide some added visibility to consensus F2015 (Mar) estimates.

"In fact, we have previously published that GTA-extensions are in the development pipeline, and likely needed for the company to hit FY targets. We also believe the next Red Dead game is in the works potentially for a 2014 launch."

It's worth noting that Rockstar and Take-Two are well known for announcing but then delaying even its biggest games, although CEO Strauss Zelnick mentioned the franchise in July last year.

This report from July 2012 suggests the next title in the franchise will be called Red Dead Rebellion.