Red Dead Redemption
Red Dead RedemptionRockstar Games website

A leaked map of the rumoured "Red Dead Redemption 2" has been authenticated by an independent source of Techradar as being "very recent." The latest game in the franchise of the popular western action-adventure video game from developer Rockstar Games is itself a prequel, being set before the events of Redemption, according to the report.

The source also claimed that the leaked map shows the east side of the upcoming prequel. The map was originally leaked via a NeoGAF post. The forum member was later asked to remove the map while other internet users picked it up from there.

The report from Techradar claims the map is dotted with caravan camps, and includes New Bordeaux. The report suggests a possible cross-over between 2K's upcoming "Mafia 3" and "Red Dead Redemption 2." This comparison is due to the fact that "Mafia 3" is also based on New Bordeaux and Take-Two Interactive is the distributor for the game. Rockstar Games is the subsidiary of Take-Two.

Also, though the original game —released in 2010, and based on the theme "death of the West"— did not allow players to swim, the report notes a dark blue part in the leaked map as suggesting that players may be able to swim in "Red Dead Redemption 2."

Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two, was previously quoted as saying, "It seems quite obvious that Red Dead is a permanent franchise." The news is a welcome development for "Red Dead Redemption" fans, who have been eagerly looking forward to a next game from the franchise.