What's Happening?
Chris Stockman, the design director of the original Saints Row game, has declared the series 'dead' following a lack of communication from its parent company, Embracer. Stockman expressed his views on a Discord channel for his new company, Bit Planet Games, stating that Embracer has shown no interest in reviving the franchise. Despite his efforts to propose a new direction for the series, Stockman claims he has been 'ghosted' by Embracer. The Saints Row series, known for its anarchic crime sandbox gameplay, has struggled to maintain relevance in recent years, particularly after a lackluster reboot in 2022 and the subsequent closure of its developer, Volition, in 2023.
Why It's Important?
The apparent end of the Saints Row series marks a significant moment in the gaming
industry, highlighting the challenges faced by long-standing franchises in adapting to changing market dynamics. The series, once a staple of open-world crime games, has been overshadowed by larger titles like Grand Theft Auto. Embracer's decision to not pursue further development could reflect broader industry trends where only the most successful franchises are sustained. This development may impact fans of the series and employees within the companies involved, as well as influence future decisions by game developers regarding the revival of older franchises.
What's Next?
With Embracer holding the rights to the Saints Row franchise, any potential revival or licensing of the series remains in their hands. Stockman has indicated that he is open to managing the series if given the opportunity, but without Embracer's cooperation, the series' future remains uncertain. The gaming community may continue to discuss and speculate on the series' potential return, but for now, it appears that Saints Row will remain dormant.
