The Uncertain Future of the Saints Row Franchise

Chris Stockman, the design director of the original *Saints Row*, has publicly stated that he believes the franchise is "dead." This assertion comes after a series of unsuccessful attempts to engage the current rights holder, Embracer Group, regarding a potential revival. Stockman expressed his concerns during a Discord conversation for his new company, Bit Planet Games, where he lamented, "I get the sense that Embracer has zero ability to do anything with it." He indicated that despite his efforts to propose a path forward, he feels ignored, stating, "they've ghosted me."

"I think the franchise is dead," says Saints Row design director

The *Saints Row* series, which began in 2006 as a competitor to the *Grand Theft Auto* franchise, has undergone significant changes over the years. The original game was well-received, but subsequent entries shifted towards a more comedic tone. The most recent reboot, released in 2022, was met with mixed reviews, described by critics as a "buggy, dull mess," and currently holds scores between 61 and 65 on Metacritic. Stockman criticized this reboot, calling it "a terrible idea" and questioning its direction, suggesting that it failed to meet the expectations set by earlier titles in the series.

‘I think the franchise is dead’: Saints Row design director says IP owner ‘ghosted’ his prequel pitch

In November 2022, Stockman had expressed optimism about reviving the series, proposing a prequel set in the 1970s that would explore the origins of the gangs featured in the original game. He envisioned a narrative centered around a group of teenagers who would eventually become the main characters, emphasizing a strong 1970s aesthetic with period-appropriate music and fashion. However, his recent comments indicate a shift from hope to resignation regarding the franchise's future.

‘I think the franchise is dead’: Saints Row design director says IP owner ‘ghosted’ his prequel pitch

The decline of *Saints Row* has been compounded by the restructuring of its developer, Volition, which was shuttered in 2023 as part of Embracer Group's broader business realignment. Matt Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive, criticized the reboot and Volition's management, stating, "They didn't know what they were building," and questioned the viability of funding future projects after the reboot's poor reception.

"I think the franchise is dead," says Saints Row design director

Stockman's remarks reflect a growing concern among fans and industry observers about the future of *Saints Row*. He noted, "I wish things were different," highlighting the disconnect between his vision for the franchise and Embracer's apparent lack of interest or capability to move forward.

"I think the franchise is dead," says Saints Row design director

While Stockman has declared the franchise dead, the official stance from Embracer Group has not been publicly articulated, leaving room for speculation about potential future developments. The lack of communication from Embracer regarding Stockman's proposals raises questions about the company's strategic direction for the *Saints Row* IP.

"I think the franchise is dead," says Saints Row design director

• “Replying to another user who claimed the last “canon” Saints Row was released a decade ago, Stockman replied: “Yeah, and honestly, I think the franchise is dead, unfortunately.” — Chris Stockman, Design Director of *Saints Row*

‘I think the franchise is dead’: Saints Row design director says IP owner ‘ghosted’ his prequel pitch

• “I wish things were different. I tried my best to offer a path forward, but they've ghosted me.” — Chris Stockman, Design Director of *Saints Row*

"I think the franchise is dead," says Saints Row design director

• “They didn't know what they were building,” — Matt Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive

"I think the franchise is dead," says Saints Row design director

The future of *Saints Row* remains uncertain, with its creator's vision stymied by corporate inertia and a shifting gaming landscape.

‘I think the franchise is dead’: Saints Row design director says IP owner ‘ghosted’ his prequel pitch