do you think much of red dead's popularity is because of westworld?

Had

Hard to say. I never saw Westworld. I like to think it is popular on it's own merit. Ever since The Last of Us game devs realised just how well it can be used to draw one into a story.

I like to think games bring one into a story in a way deeper than moves, and comparable to books.

i've only seen episode 1 of westworld but the setting (wild west wonderland where you can act out fantasies) is similar. WW reflects on that environment though. RDR just lets you have fun.

Maybe we’re just in a Wild West phase (like the zombie phase & pirate phase).

Bioshock also had strong story & philosophies for its characters.

Damn good looking indie game.

I've got plenty of time now. Any games worth playing now? I'm looking for games I can trade in game like Diablo 2 or Path of Exile. Any recommendations?

If trading in game is important to you then you should play EVE Online.

I have heard about it, but it is really old game so I thought I'll skip it. Does it feel dated?

Hell no. It looks beautiful, and the pvp is very satisfying. It is a very community driven game, so I would suggest trying to join some group instead of playing alone.

Hell as a side game they let you take actual NASA telescope data and try to help NASA identify planets.

Sounds fun. Ok, thanks, I will check it.

might have changed, but humble bundle always had fun, different, indie games.

Check it out. Look to a group for help though. It can seem overwhelming to some until someone points out what you need to know.

Check this out. I feel like many in the BCH community would be well suited here.

EVE is almost a perfect sci-fi AnCap utopia

dont have time or the computer to play it on, but EVE always looks cool in the videos/recaps of major events.