Embracer Remains Quiet After Saints Row Design Director Says He Believes the Series Is 'Dead'

IGN

by Wesley Yin-Poole

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Saints Row franchise may be on life support, according to Chris Stockman, the design director of Saints Row 1. In a recent statement, Stockman expressed his belief that the series has reached its end, citing Embracer’s lack of response to his revival pitch and their perceived inability to move forward with the IP. The franchise, once a contender in the open-world gaming space, has struggled since the release of the rebooted *Saints Row* in 2022, which received mixed reviews and poor sales. Volition, the game’s developer, shut down in 2023, leaving the future of Saints Row uncertain. Stockman revealed that he pitched ideas for a potential revival to Embracer through their subsidiary Plaion but has been met with silence. He emphasized that companies like Embracer rarely sell IPs and are unlikely to license them out, further complicating efforts to breathe new life into the series. Despite this, Stockman remains hopeful about the franchise’s 20th anniversary in 2026, though it seems the gap between new entries is only widening. The situation highlights a broader challenge for gaming franchises: maintaining relevance and audience interest over time. Saints Row once stood out as a competitor to *Grand Theft Auto*, but its recent missteps have left fans disillusioned. While Embracer continues to focus on other projects like *Killing Floor 3* and *Darksiders 4*, the silence around Saints Row leaves many questioning whether the series will ever see another entry. For gaming enthusiasts, this story underscores the risks of relying on established franchises without consistent innovation or support. The outcome of Saints Row’s future hinges heavily on Embracer’s willingness to invest in the IP and their ability to inspire a passionate fanbase once again. With no clear roadmap from the company, fans can only speculate about the franchise’s next move—or if it will have one at all.

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Originally published on IGN on 2/25/2026