Saints Row 1 designer reckons the series is 'dead,' adding that Embracer 'ghosted' him after a comeback pitch: 'I wish things were different'
PC Gamer
by Justin Wagner February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Saints Row, once a vibrant franchise known for its open-world crime adventures, has been declared "dead" by Chris Stockman, the design director of the first game. In a recent statement on his new company's Discord server, Stockman expressed his disillusionment with Embracer Group, the parent company of Volition, which acquired Saints Row in 2013. He revealed that he had pitched a comeback plan to bring the series back to its roots, but after reaching out multiple times, he was met with silence—an experience he described as being "ghosted." Stockman's frustration underscores his belief that Embracer lacks the capability or interest in reviving the franchise.
The context of Stockman's remarks stems from a November 2023 pitch where he proposed rebooting Saints Row to its original, more grounded roots. This idea was likely influenced by the underwhelming reception of the 2022 reboot and the subsequent closure of Volition later that year due to Embracer's restructuring. Stockman emphasized his willingness to collaborate on a comeback but acknowledged that the decision now lies entirely with Embracer. His comments highlight the challenges independent developers often face when their creative visions clash with larger corporate strategies.
The potential death of Saints Row is significant for gaming enthusiasts who cherished its unique blend of chaotic crime adventures, from its gritty street origins to its absurd sci
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/21/2026