Original Saints Row Designer Declares Series 'Dead' After Publisher Ghosting

The future of the Saints Row franchise is in serious doubt, as one of its original creators suggests the series is effectively dead after a comeback pitch was allegedly ignored by the publisher. Volition co-founder and original Saints Row designer, Jim Boone, recently voiced his disappointment, stating that Embracer Group has seemingly "ghosted" him following discussions about potential new entries. This news casts a long shadow over the future of the open-world crime series, especially following the polarizing 2022 reboot.

Key Takeaways

• Original Saints Row designer Jim Boone believes the series is effectively finished after a comeback pitch was ignored.
• Boone claims publisher Embracer Group "ghosted" him following discussions about the franchise's future.
• The sentiment reflects broader concerns about Embracer's restructuring and recent studio closures.
• The original vision for Saints Row may never return if key figures are excluded.

What Happened

Jim Boone, a foundational voice behind the original Saints Row games, shared his frustrations publicly. He indicated that after the disappointing reception to the 2022 reboot, he attempted to engage Embracer Group—the parent company that now owns the IP—with ideas for reviving the series' original spirit. However, those efforts appear to have hit a wall, leading him to publicly declare the series "dead."

This follows a tumultuous period for Embracer Group, which has been undergoing massive restructuring, including the closure of Volition in 2023. For fans who felt the 2022 reboot strayed too far from the series' chaotic, over-the-top roots, Boone's comments confirm their fears that a return to form is unlikely.

Why This Matters

This situation isn't just about one franchise; it's a microcosm of the current volatile state of the video game publishing industry. Embracer Group's aggressive acquisition strategy has led to significant consolidation, often resulting in the shuttering of beloved studios like Volition. When original creators are shut out, the IP loses its institutional memory and creative soul.

Boone's comments highlight the disconnect that can occur when creative talent is separated from ownership. The original Saints Row games thrived on a specific brand of irreverent humor and escalating absurdity. Without the original architects guiding the vision, new iterations risk feeling like hollow imitations, which is exactly what many critics argued about the 2022 title. This trend is worrying for any IP owned by a large holding company focused purely on cost-cutting rather than creative stewardship.

What's Next

With Volition closed and the original designer sidelined, the intellectual property now sits in a holding pattern under Embracer. While Embracer still owns the rights, the immediate path forward for a new Saints Row game seems bleak. It’s possible they could license the IP out to another studio, but that studio would face the immense challenge of satisfying both legacy fans and new players.

Historically, when publishers sideline core talent, IPs often go dormant or get rebooted poorly years later. We might see a lengthy hiatus for Saints Row, perhaps until Embracer decides to sell the IP or attempt another soft reboot down the line, likely without any connection to the original creative team.

The Bottom Line

Jim Boone's declaration serves as a somber post-mortem for the Saints Row series as we knew it. The alleged ghosting by Embracer Group suggests that for now, the gang warfare is over, leaving fans with only the memory of the original Purple Paranoia.