Chris Stockman, the original design director for Saints Row, has publicly stated his belief that the once-popular series is now "dead," claiming that current owner Embracer Group lacks the "zero ability" to revive the franchise.
The series, which once competed with Grand Theft Auto, hasn't seen a new release since the poorly received 2022 reboot. IGN's review scored it 6/10, noting it offered "shallow shoot 'em up thrills" but felt "very familiar and uninspired." Following disappointing sales, developer Volition closed in 2023, and Embracer has remained silent about Saints Row's future ever since.
In a Discord chat for his studio Bit Planet Games, Stockman revealed he pitched a revival to Embracer through subsidiary Plaion but received no response. "Honestly, I think the franchise is dead, unfortunately," he said last month. "I get the sense that Embracer has zero ability to do anything with it."
Stockman, who left Volition during Saints Row 2's pre-production, added, "I wish things were different. I tried my best to offer a path forward but they've ghosted me." When IGN reached out for comment, an Embracer spokesperson declined to address "rumors and speculation."
Stockman later clarified he had discussed potentially buying the Saints Row IP with Plaion, but they ignored his messages. "Companies of that size almost never sell their IP because it devalues their purchase price," he explained.
As Saints Row approaches its 20th anniversary on August 29, 2026, the prospect of a new game seems more distant than ever. Stockman isn't involved in any secret plans, noting, "As long as they [Embracer] are in business they own it. They could license it to me or contract us to manage it. But I've done all I can do."
Meanwhile, Embracer has other projects in development, including Killing Floor 3, Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, new Tomb Raider games from Crystal Dynamics, Darksiders 4, and Dead Island 3, slated for early 2028. The status of the Lord of the Rings MMO with Amazon Games remains uncertain.
