The future of the Saints Row franchise appears uncertain, as Chris Stockman, one of the original designers of the open-world crime series, has expressed doubts about its viability. Stockman was tasked late last year with developing a pitch for a potential reboot of the franchise, aiming to revitalize it following the lukewarm reception to the 2022 installment.
However, recent communications reveal a significant shift in his outlook. According to Eurogamer, Stockman responded to a fan’s lament about the lack of new entries in the series with a stark assessment:
“Honestly, I think the franchise is dead, unfortunately. I acquire the sense that Embracer has zero ability to do anything with it. I wish things were different. I did my best to offer a path forward, but they’ve ghosted me.”
This news comes after the shuttering of Volition, the long-time developer of the Saints Row games, as part of Embracer Group’s restructuring in 2023. The open-world genre continues to evolve, with developers constantly seeking ways to innovate and capture player attention. Stockman’s comments suggest that, at least for now, the Saints won’t be returning to Santo Ileso – or any other city – anytime soon.
