The future of the Saints Row franchise looks bleak according to Chris Stockman, the design director of the original 2006 title. Stockman recently revealed that Embracer Group, the current owner of the intellectual property, has completely ignored his pitch for a new entry, leading him to believe the series is effectively defunct.
Ignored Proposals and Silent Publishers
Stockman had previously announced his intention to pitch a concept for a series reboot last November. However, in a recent Discord conversation spotted by users on X, the developer confirmed that Embracer had "ghosted" him. He stated that he offered a path forward for the troubled franchise but received no response.
"I think the franchise is dead, unfortunately," Stockman wrote. "I get the sense that Embracer has zero ability to do anything with it."
A Vision for the 1970s
The rejected proposal detailed a prequel set in the 1970s. Stockman envisioned a narrative exploring the origins of the gangs featured in the first game, following them as teenagers. The concept aimed to lean heavily into the era's aesthetic, including the fashion and music of the decade.
This direction was a stark contrast to the 2022 reboot, which Stockman criticized as a "terrible idea." He argued that the reboot failed to capture the essence of the series and should have been marketed as a new intellectual property rather than a continuation.
Context of the Decline
The Saints Row series began as a well-received alternative to Grand Theft Auto during the Xbox 360 era. Over time, the games evolved into more comedic, over-the-top experiences. Following the closure of original developer Volition, the franchise's fate rested with Embracer Group. The 2022 reboot faced mixed to negative reviews, suffering from technical issues and a tone that alienated long-time fans.
With Embracer seemingly uninterested in external pitches, the franchise currently sits in limbo with no announced projects in development.
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