Original Saints Row Designer Believes The Series Is Dead After Publisher Ghosts Him
Kotaku
by Zack KotzerFebruary 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Chris Stockman, the original designer of *Saints Row*, has made a bold claim: he believes the series is effectively dead after being ignored by Embracer Group, the game’s current publisher, following his pitch for its future. Stockman, who worked on the early games in the franchise during his time at THQ, says that despite reaching out to Embracer with ideas, the company has given him no response—a silence he interprets as a lack of interest in continuing the series authentically or involving those who helped build its legacy.
Stockman’s comments come after years of speculation about the future of *Saints Row*, which has evolved significantly since his departure from THQ. The franchise, now under Embracer Group’s control through their subsidiary, Volition Inc., has seen mixed critical reception for recent entries like * Saints Row V* and *The Callisto Protocol*. Stockman’s critique adds another layer to the conversation about whether the series can ever return to its roots or if it has strayed too far from what made it iconic in the first place.
The designer’s experience highlights a broader issue in the gaming industry: the challenges of legacy franchises under new ownership. While Embracer Group has shown willingness to acquire and revitalize franchises like *Far Cry* and *Fable*, Stockman’s lack of communication suggests that not all former contributors are being given a seat at the table. This raises questions about whether the series can ever truly honor its origins, or if it will continue down
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Originally published on Kotaku on 2/21/2026