Saints Row Franchise Future Uncertain After 1970s Prequel Pitch Rejected by Embracer Group

The future of the Saints Row video game series is unclear as a pitch for a 1970s prequel was rejected by Embracer Group, the owner of the franchise.
By Newsroom | Video Games, Entertainment |

The future of the Saints Row video game franchise is in doubt following the rejection of a prequel concept pitch. Chris Stockman, the design director for the original Saints Row game, presented an idea for a 1970s-set prequel to Embracer Group, the current owner of the intellectual property. However, Stockman has stated that his pitch was not accepted, leading him to believe the franchise is now effectively defunct. This situation has sparked discussions among fans and observers about the potential revival of the once-popular series.

Context of the Pitch and Rejection

Chris Stockman, who departed from Volition (the original developer of Saints Row) after the first game and now works for VR studio Bit Planet Games, revealed his intention to propose a prequel to the original Saints Row game. His concept aimed to ground the series in the 1970s, featuring themes and aesthetics relevant to that era, with the characters who would eventually form the core of the first game.

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  • Stockman shared his plan on the Saints Row Reddit page last November.

  • The proposed prequel would have explored the origins of the gang, set against a backdrop of 1970s culture, including fashion and music.

  • He expressed that his pitch was met with silence from Embracer Group, which he described as being "ghosted."

  • Stockman’s public statements suggest a belief that Embracer Group has no current plans for the franchise.

Differing Views on Franchise Decline

There are differing perspectives on what led to the perceived decline of the Saints Row franchise.

The "Beginning of the End" Argument

Some accounts suggest that Saints Row 4 marked a turning point that steered the series away from its roots.

  • The shift in tone and gameplay in Saints Row 4 is seen by some as having alienated a portion of the original fanbase.

  • This entry is cited as the start of a trend that ultimately contributed to the series' current state.

Stockman's Prequel Vision

Conversely, Stockman's rejected prequel idea is presented as a potential solution that was overlooked.

  • His concept aimed to revitalize the series by returning to a more grounded narrative, albeit with a period setting.

  • The emphasis on the 1970s was intended to provide a fresh yet familiar take on the Saints Row universe.

  • The rejection of this idea is seen by some as a missed opportunity by Embracer Group.

Embracer Group's Stance and Franchise Future

Embracer Group's silence on Stockman's pitch is interpreted as a lack of interest in continuing the Saints Row franchise in its current form.

  • Embracer Group has not publicly responded to Stockman's claims.

  • The absence of communication regarding the prequel pitch suggests a lack of active development or interest in new Saints Row projects.

  • This inaction has led to widespread speculation that the franchise may be dormant, with little prospect of immediate revival.

Expert Analysis

  • Chris Stockman, design director for the original Saints Row, expressed his belief that "the franchise is dead" after his prequel pitch was not acknowledged by Embracer Group.

  • He stated that the IP owner "ghosted" his proposal for a 1970s-set prequel, which he felt would have been a fitting way to bring the series back.

  • Commentators suggest that Embracer Group may be unwilling to take further risks with the franchise, preferring to remain inactive rather than invest in new titles.

Conclusion and Implications

The situation surrounding the Saints Row franchise highlights a potential disconnect between a creator's vision for revival and the IP owner's strategic direction. Chris Stockman's public account of his rejected prequel pitch and his subsequent assertion that the franchise is "dead" paints a somber picture for fans.

  • Embracer Group's lack of engagement with Stockman's proposal implies a lack of commitment to developing new Saints Row content in the near future.

  • The perceived creative direction of previous entries, particularly Saints Row 4, is cited by some as a factor in the series' current predicament.

  • Without active development or a change in Embracer Group's approach, the Saints Row franchise is likely to remain in limbo, with its future uncertain.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the future of the Saints Row franchise uncertain?
The future of the Saints Row video game franchise is uncertain because a pitch for a 1970s-set prequel was rejected by Embracer Group, the owner of the series. Chris Stockman, the original game's design director, believes the franchise is now dead because his idea was not accepted.
Q: What was the rejected Saints Row prequel idea?
Chris Stockman proposed a prequel set in the 1970s that would explore the origins of the Saints Row gang. The idea focused on the fashion, music, and culture of that era to ground the series in a new way.
Q: Who rejected the Saints Row prequel pitch?
The pitch for the 1970s Saints Row prequel was rejected by Embracer Group, which currently owns the intellectual property rights for the franchise. Stockman stated that Embracer Group 'ghosted' his proposal.
Q: What does Chris Stockman think about the Saints Row franchise now?
Chris Stockman, the design director for the original Saints Row, believes the franchise is 'dead' after his prequel pitch was not accepted by Embracer Group. He feels there are no current plans for new games in the series.
Q: What is Embracer Group's response to the rejected pitch?
Embracer Group has not publicly responded to Chris Stockman's claims about his rejected prequel pitch. This silence suggests they may not have immediate plans for developing new Saints Row content.